Author to discuss perils of deep ocean salvage diving, from the NEWS TIMES, May 29, 2008.
Newport- Rebecca Harrison presents a multi-media talk about using stories to write dramatic nonfiction in her book, "Deep Dark and Dangerous: On the Bottom with the Northwest Salvage Divers," (BookSurge, 2006.) Join the author for a fascinating look into this unknown world during a free public presentation - part of the Writers-on-Writing series hosted by Willamette Writers Coast Branch and the Newport Public Library - scheduled from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3.
Harrison's book takes the reader under dangerous waters with the stories of salvage divers and their families. She will also share funny and tragic stories not included in the book during her presentation. Salvage divers work underwater in cumbersome diving gear, dealing with turbid darkness, and treacherous currents.
They are carpenters, masons, riggers, hydraulic mechanics, ironworkers, welders, pile bucks, and underwater engineers, who must adapt blueprints, tools, and equipment to the harsh realities of the underwater environment. It is a dirty, unromantic and highly dangerous way of earning a living. Harrison's publications include articles in Marine Digest, Diver Magazine and Oregon Coast Today.
Willamette Writers meet first Tuesday of each month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the McEntee Room at the Newport Public Library. For more information, contact Sue Lick at 867-4692 or suelick@comcast.net.
- Dorothy Mack
Author presents at museum, from the Headlight-Herald, Tillamook, Oregon, October 3, 2007.
Garibaldi- The Garibaldi Museum hosted a book reading and signing by Rebecca Harrison, author of Deep Dark and Dangerous: On the Bottom with the Northwest Salvage Divers, Sept.19. Harrison related stories told to her by salvage divers of the Pacific Northwest, where more than half of the salvage divers perish on treacherous dives in the frigid waters.
She chronicled the adventures of the men and women who salvaged sunken cargo, repaired bridges, laid underwater cable and repaired ships.
Twenty residents of Tillamook, Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach attended the function. After the signing, guests toured the museum and socialized. Light refreshments were served. Harrison donated $7 of the sale of each book to the museum.
For more information on scheduling Harrison for a book reading, she may be contacted at salvagedivers@canby.com.
-Cheryl Evans
Beach Reads, from the Oregon Coast Today, December 29, 2006
A 'DEEP, DARK AND DANGEROUS' BEACH READ
Is it raining on your winter coast vacation? Dive into a good book.
At Rainy Day Books in Tillamook, you can pick up a copy of "Deep, Dark and Dangerous: On the Bottom with the Northwest Salvage Divers,” by Rebecca Harrison.
Salvage divers work underwater in a turbid darkness. In their cumbersome diving gear, these men have barely enough room to move around, while fighting the cold temperature and treacherous currents. It is a dirty, unromantic and highly dangerous way of earning a living.
From locating sunken boxcars to repairing concrete foundations for bridges, no task is too risky. Salvage divers are carpenters, masons, riggers, hydraulic mechanics, ironworkers, welders, pile bucks, and underwater engineers. They must be able to adapt all blueprints, tools and equipment to the harsh realities of the underwater environment.
"A frightening yet fascinating trade, salvage diving stands as the Northwest's most dangerous occupation," wrote Northwest author Craig Lesley.
"Over half of the salvage divers perish on treacherous dives in frigid waters. With her compelling and illuminating book, Rebecca Harrison chronicles the adventures of intrepid men and women as they salvage sunken cargo, repair bridges or lay underwater cable. As you read, be prepared for struggling with the deadly Devil Fish, retrieving silver booty, and wrestling a sunken locomotive from the turbulent Deschutes. Harrison's clear portrayal of many breathtaking dives guarantees that readers will understand the depths of the Northwest's brawny waters."
Rainy Day Books is located at 2015 2nd Street in Tillamook. Call 503-842-7766 for information.
-Niki Price