The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1874-05-29
How a Submarine Diver Works.

the NeSSei can De saved, ana before NOTE
is begun a survey of her bottom must be
made by divers We have noticed a
stalwart fellow or the tug, who has a
courag geous face and thick-set frame.
He is one of the divers, who of all sea-
men have the strangest experience
They go deep beneath the sea, separated
only by thread from death. Watch
this man as he dons his submarine ar
NOR and prepares to descend into the
water. Over suit of thick fiannels he
puts pair of trowsers and a Jacket made
from india-rubber cloth. These fit
close to the ankles, wrists, and across the
chest Next he thrusts his head thro' a
copper breast-plate provided with grooves
into which the body of the jacket is fit
ted and screwed down by an attendant.
The head is now covered by helmet,
with a glass face, which is also screwed
to the east-plate,-helmet and breast
plate weighing together about fifty-six
pounds. Twenty eight pounds more are
added to this burthen by pair of shoes
with leaden soles, and thus equipped the
diver resembles neither man nor fish.
The extreme weight of the diver is ia
tiguing above water, and he is glad to
embark in the surf-boat, which has been
launched from the tug to convey him
nearer the wreck than she dare approach.
A few strokes of the oar bring the sur
veying party directly over the sunken
vessel, and the final preparations for the
descent are made. One end of coil
of strong rubber tubing is fastened to
mouth-piece at the back of the helmet,
and the other end is connected with an
air-pump in the boat. A hempen line is
also secured to the outside of the helmet,
and passes down the divers right side,
within easy reach of his hand. Upon
this tubing and line his life will depend.
Four blocks of lead, weighing fifty
pounds, are now slung over his shoulders;
and waterproof bag, containing ham
mer, a chisel, and a dirk knife is fasten-
ed over his shoulder. A short iron lad
der is lowered over the starboard side of
the boat, and the diver heavily climbs
down each round. His weight causes
the boat to dance and rock unsteadily.
The diver grasps rope to prevent too
rapid descent; he releases the ladder, and
the green water swells over and hides
him.
Full fathom FIVE he sinks; and as the
sea closes about him, the great weight of
his armor dwindles away, and his move
ments are as free as an athletes. Smooth
ly he descends, and soon feels his feet
touching the hard sand. His foothold is
unsteady; for Notwithstanding the weight
attached to him, he is still too buoyant,
and once or twice he pulls the signal
line for less air. Well he knows that,
unless the supply be rightly adjusted, he
will either be suffocated or sent bub-
bling to the surface feet first.
But his signals are needed, and as his
tread becomes firm, he glances around
him out of the little window in his he'll
met. Shoals Of fish crowd inquisItively
near, and some daringly rub their noses
against his breast; but a wave of his
hand drives them off in utmost terror.
y few yards away lies the wreck, bedded
in the sand, and plainly visible in the
green light of the depths. There is as
much light, indeed, as we have on shore
during ordinary foggy weather. The
diver approaches cautiously. His great
est peril is in the tangled rigging and
splinters which might twist VI break the
air-pipe signal-line. He does not move
step without first finding out whittier it
will lead him, and in good time he safe
| ly reaches the hull. Thus far he is
pleased with the "job;" the water is clear
and his feet do not sink into the sand.
| Now he begins his search for the DANA
ges, and works for four or five hours
without interruption, examining the ves-
sci in every part, and humn1ing lively
tune as he moves briskly about. The
water is cold, ard if he loiters he will be
chilled; and, moreover, he understands
that industry is the best cure for the
loneliness of his position. At last, he
signals to ascend, and he is brought on
board the tug-boat. The master-wreck-
ers crowd about him for information.
"Can the vessel be saved?" "She can" :"
he answers. The planking amidships, a
few feet above the keel, has been torn
away; but she holds together, and if the
weather is fair she may be afioat again
in two weeks. The diver, having re-
moved his dress, then calmly sits down
to eat, while preparations are making for
another descent.
An old diver is as comfortable under
water as above, and can do eight hours
work day in seven or eight fathoms
As the business is precarious, however
the men are paid $50 a month, and sup
piled with board and lodging. Do they
serve an apprenticeship? Not just that
most of them have been attendants tc
other divers, and have picked up the Sc.
crets in that way. 81 waited on a man
myself, and did Mt get promoted until ]
knew the service like book" says the
diver, as he rises and calls for his boy
"All ready, Tom? Excuse me now, sir
it's time to go down again" And so he
leaves US.
Two other men accompany him in his
next descent, and after they have beer
down for an hour or two, they signal to
the men in the boat, and the heavy cable
that we have seen is lowered to them
, In their curious dress, they work togeth
er with will, and drag the massive Links
of iron underneath the hull of the ship
| one length amidships, a second length
astern, and a third length forward
, This is slow work, and before it is com
plete night has set in, and the divers arr
: brought to the surface. Betimes mex
r day it is resumed, and when the centre
, of each great chain is right under the
5 keel, the pontoons are towed over th'
: wreck. Meanwhile, constant communi
. cation is established between the mel