Customer Reviews

Deep, Dark and Dangerous: On The Bottom With The Northwest Salvage Divers

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I am a Pacific Northwest diver with an interest in the history of diving and in particular, the hard hat divers who were pioneers in the fields of underwater construction, demolition and salvage. I was lucky to find Deep Dark and Dangerous by Rebecca Harrison.

It is hard to explain to people what it is like to dive in the swirling current, low visibility and bone chilling cold of the pacific North West. It is hard to explain to people the fears that arise underwater and the bravery of those people who made their livings or lost their lives working as hard hat divers. However, regardless of whether you are a diver or not this well written and well researched book can take you there in words and striking pictures.

Go ahead and meet the McCray's. Walter and his son Art were a diving dynasty, even after the son had to recover his fathers lifeless body from and underwater trench one day and go back to finish the job the next day. Another character you will meet is Fred Devine whose exploits covered diving on a train wreck in a river in central Oregon to building the most powerful salvage barge on the west coast (and that you can still see in Astoria, Oregon).

As a diver the story of the sinking and then the ingenious salvaging of the cargo of the Diamond Knott is special because shortly after reading the story I was able to dive that famous wreck and examine the work that they did for myself.

If you are an actual diver, an armchair diver or just have an interest in how men explored and worked underwater in the early 1900's I strongly recommend Deep Dark and Dangerous: On the bottom with the Northwest Salvage Divers by Rebecca Harrison.

Andy Burlingham
Portland, Oregon

"A frightening yet fascinating trade, salvage diving stands as the Northwest's most dangerous occupation. Over half of 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 deadly Devil Fish, retrieving silver booty, and wrestling a sunken locomotive from the turbulent Deschutes. Of course, the big stories are the brave-hearted characters themselves who chose such a dangerous profession. Slender, sixteen-year-old Marie DeRock inherits her father's risky trade because he has no sons. And who would have guessed that adventurous Walt Morey, beloved author of Gentle Ben, dove long before he wrote? Harrison's clear portrayal of many breathtaking dives guarantees that readers will understand the depths of the Northwest's brawny waters." ~Craig Lesley

(Craig Lesley is the author of Burning Fence and The Sky Fisherman)

It's easy to be amazed at what we see. It's even more amazing to learn of the challenges and sacrifice of the men who have worked below the waves in the Pacific Northwest. Indeed, if you live in the Northwest and are interested in its history at all, this book is a must read. If you're interested in true stories of pure bravery and grit, read this book! Ms. Harrison has interwoven the lore of the deep diving profession with the intrigue of its suspense and dangers. Have you ever seen a ship? Have you ever crossed a bridge? Learn how they are affected by the work where few ever dare to go.

Written by someone who doesn't know diving-a newspaper account would be more informative. I am a hardhat diver and am very disappointed.

Quality of printing and pictures are very meager
I would have preferred to see something of the content with this kind of books
Thks
van der Valk