Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1874-06-11
How a Submarine Diver Works.

wreck. which is indicated by the tops Of
three masts tapering few feet above the
surface 1t is not certain yet that the
vessel can be saved, and before work is
heoun a survey of her bottom must be
made by divers. We have noticed q
stalwart fellow on the tug, who has
courageous face and thick-set frame.
He is one of the divers, who of all sea-
men have the strangest experiences. They
20 deep beneath the sea, separated only
by a thread from death. Watch this man
as he dons his submarine armor and pre-
mares to descend into the water. Over
suit Of thick hannels he puts pair of
trowsers and jacket made from india
rubber cloth. These fit close to the
ankles, wrists, and across the chest. Next
he thrusts his head through copper
breast plate provided with grooves, into
which the body of the jacket is fitted and
screwed down by an attendant. The head
is now covered by helmet, with glass
face, which is also screwed to the breast
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. A near
sighted naturalist might puzzle over him
for hours without finding out to which
species he belongs, so monstrous does he
appear. And it is not surprising that the
sharks themselves are afraid of the divers,
and fee Extraordinarily if one of their arms
be outstretched.
The extreme weight of the diver is IA
tiguing above water, and he is glad to en-
bark 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. You and l watch
breathlessly, but the diver thinks very
little about the danger of what he is to do.
One end of coil of strong rubber tubing
is fastened to a mOuth-piece at the back
of the helmet, and the other end is con-
nected 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 de-
pend. Four blocks Of lead, weighing
fifty pounds, are now slung over his
shoulders; and water proof bag, con-
tanning hammer, a chisel and q dirk
knife, is fastened over his breast. A
short iron ladder Gs lowered over the star
board side of the boat, and the diver heav-
ily climbs down each round. His weight
causes the boat to dance and rock un
steadily. 1t is very exciting moment
for novice, can tell you! His COM
rades watch his movements attcntively,
and in another moment he is standing on
the bottom round of the ladder. Two
men stand by the handles Of the air-pump
at the other end of the boat. All is ready.
The diver grasps rope to prevent too
rapid descent; he releases the ladder, and
the green water swells over and hides
him.
Full fathoms 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 IS an athletes Smooth
ly he descends, end soon feels his feet
touching the hard sand His foothold is
unsteady; for notwithstanding the weights
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 sutfocated or sent bubbling to the sur
face feet first.
But his signals are needed, and as his
tread becomes firm he chances around him
out of the little window in his helmet
Shoals of fish crowd inquisitively near,
and some daringly rub their noses against
his breast; but wave of his hand drives
them OF in utmost terror. A few yards
away lies the wreck, bedded in 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 greatest peril is in the
tangled rigging and splinters, which
might twist or break the air-pipe and
signal-line. He does not move a step
without first finding out whittier it will
lead him, and in good time he safely
reaches the hull. Thus far he lie pleased
with the "job;" the water is clear and
his feet do not sink into the sand Now he
begins lis search for the damages. and
works for four or five hours without In
lerruption, examining the vessel in every
part, and hummiDg lively tune as he
moves briskly about. The water is cold,
and 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.
Inc master-wreckers crowd about him
for information.
Can the vessel be saved." "She
can, he answers The planking amidships,
Anew feet above the keel, has been torn
away; but she holds together, and if the
weather is fair she may be afoat again in
Two weeks. The diver, having removed
MS 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,
tne men are paid $3.50 month, and sup
pncd with board and lodging. Do they
serve an apprenticeship? Not exactly
.hat, but most of them have been attend
ants to other divers, and have picked up
we secrets in that way. g waited on
man myself, and didn't get promoted until
knew the service like book" says the
aiver, as he rises and calls for his boy.
- All ready, Tom? Excuse me now, sir;
ms Time to go down again." And SO he
Two other men accompany him in his
ne1tdescent, and after they have been down
'U an hour or two they signal to the men