About this ebook
“Crawford’s absorbing account of his first adventures in the salvage trade . . . an unusually likeable, as well as interesting, memoir.” —The Scotsman
In 1971 Alec Crawford is determined to make his fortune from ship salvage. Early attempts lead nowhere until he teams up with a new partner, Simon Martin. Diving in Hebridean waters, they explore remains of the Spanish Armada, and the wreck of the SS Politician, the vessel made famous in the film Whisky Galore! But money is scarce and irregular, and the work is fraught with danger and disappointment.
Until they hear of one of the most incredible wrecks of all time—the White Star liner RMS Oceanic, which, when built in 1899, was the biggest and most luxurious ship in the world. Widely regarded as an “undiveable” wreck, lying somewhere off the remote island of Foula, they decide to take the challenge. They face unbelievably dangerous waters and appalling weather conditions, and when a large salvage company takes action against them, they also have a huge legal fight on their hands. But if they succeed, the rewards will be enormous . . .
“Crawford pioneered many of the methods now used in deep sea recovery, but this book is more about the excitement than the technicalities. It is also a love song to Scotland and a vanishing way of life.” —Sorted Magazine
“Crawford is a born story-teller, and his tales unfold as easily and naturally as he were an old friend.” —The Shetland Times
“A story of genuine adventure.” —Desperate Reader
In 1971 Alec Crawford is determined to make his fortune from ship salvage. Early attempts lead nowhere until he teams up with a new partner, Simon Martin. Diving in Hebridean waters, they explore remains of the Spanish Armada, and the wreck of the SS Politician, the vessel made famous in the film Whisky Galore! But money is scarce and irregular, and the work is fraught with danger and disappointment.
Until they hear of one of the most incredible wrecks of all time—the White Star liner RMS Oceanic, which, when built in 1899, was the biggest and most luxurious ship in the world. Widely regarded as an “undiveable” wreck, lying somewhere off the remote island of Foula, they decide to take the challenge. They face unbelievably dangerous waters and appalling weather conditions, and when a large salvage company takes action against them, they also have a huge legal fight on their hands. But if they succeed, the rewards will be enormous . . .
“Crawford pioneered many of the methods now used in deep sea recovery, but this book is more about the excitement than the technicalities. It is also a love song to Scotland and a vanishing way of life.” —Sorted Magazine
“Crawford is a born story-teller, and his tales unfold as easily and naturally as he were an old friend.” —The Shetland Times
“A story of genuine adventure.” —Desperate Reader
About the author
Alec Crawford has spent his whole career in the world of marine salvage in various locations around the world, including the UK, USA, Vietnam, South Africa and all through the Mediterranean. He has also been actively involved in the development of salvage technology, including an environmental oil removal system that was used to remove oil from shipwrecks, which was highlighted in the Timewatch documentary, The Lost Liner and the Empire’s Gold.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
