Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-06-18
How 4 Submarine Diver Works.

reach the wreck, which IS indicated bv
the ton Of three masts tapering a few
feet above the suaface. It is not GER
tain vet that the vessel can be saved.
and before work IS begun a survey of
her bottom must be made by divers.
We have noticed stalwart fellow Cd
the tue. who has courageous face,
and a thick set frame. He IS one Of
tha divers who Of all seamen have the
strancest experiences. They 90 deep
beneath the sea, separated only by a
thread from death. Watch this man
as he dons his submarine armor and
prepares to d. snd into the water.
over q suit Of tuiek hannels he puts a
pair Of trowsers and a jacket made
from India rubber cloth These fit
yery close to the ankles, wrist, and
across the chest Next he thrusts
his head through a copper breast plate,
provided with grooves, into which the
body of the jacket is fitted and screwed
down with an attendant. The head is
now covered by helmet, with a glass
face, which is also screwed to the
breast-plate, helmet and breast-plate
weighing together about iFty-six
pounds. Twenty-eight pounds more
are added to this burthen by pair OF
shoes with leaden sole5, and thus
equipped the diver resembles neither
man nor fish A near SIGHTED natural
ist might puzzle over him for hours,
without finding out to what species he
belongs, so monstrous does he appear.
And it is not surprising that the sharks
themselves are afraid of the divers,
and flee iucontinentIy if one Of their
arms be outstretched.
The extreme weight Of the diver is
fatiwuing 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 ap-
proach. A few strokes of the oar bring
the surveying party directly over the
sunken vessel, and the final prepara-
lions for the descent are made. You
and [ watch breathlessIy, but the diver
thinks very little about the danger Of
what he is to do. One end Of a coil OF
strong rubber tubing is fastened to a
mouth-piece at the bacI, 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 diver :
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 a waterproof
bag, containing a hammer. a chisoI
and a dirk-knife, is fastened over his
breast. \ short iron ladder is lowered
over the starboard side Of tic boat.
and the diver heavily climbs down
each round. His weight causes the
boat to dance and rock unsteadily. i
is very exciting moment FOR a novice,
/ [ can tell you His comrades watch
/ his movements attentively, and in an
other moment he Is standing on the
bottom round Of the ladder. Two
men stand by the handles Of the all
pump at the other end Of the boat
! All is ready. The diver grasps a rope
to prevent a too rapid descent; he re
leases the ladder, and the green water
sweIls over ana hides him.
Full FIVE tathoms he sinks !; and a:
the sea closes over him, the grea
weight Of his armcr dwindles away, anC
his movements are as free as an ath
tlete's. Smoothly he descanis, am
soon feels his feet touching the hare
sand. His foo hold is unsteady; fol
no outstanding the weights attached
to him, he is still too buoyant5 ans
once CT twice he pills the signal line
for less air. Well he knows that, un
less the supply be rightly adjusted, h'
will either be sufocated or sent bub
ling to the surface feet first.
But his signals are needed, and a
his tread becomes firm, he gIances
around him out Of the little window IL
his helmet. Shoals of fish crowd in
quisitiyelv near, and some daringly
rub their noses against his breast; bu
a wave of his hand drives them off il
utmost terror \ few yards away lie:
the wreck. bedded in the sand. anC
plainly visible in the green light Of tht
leptls. There is as much light, IN
deed, as we have on shore during or
binary f3ggy weather. The diver ap
proaches cautiously. His greatest peri
IS in the tangled rigging and splinters
which MIGHT twist or break the air-pipt
and SIGNAL line. He does not move {
step without first finding out whittier
it will lead him, and in good time he
safely reaches the hull Thus far h,
is pleased with the Job" the water
lis clear and his feet do not sink int
the sand. Now he begins his search
for the damages, and works for four o.
five hours without interruption, exam
lining the vessel in every part, ant
humming a lively tune as he move
briskly about. The water is cold, anC
If he loiters he will be chilled; anC
| moreover he understands that indus
| try is the best cure for the loneline5
of his position. At last he signals t
ascend, and he is brought on board tn
tug-boat. The master-wreckers crow,
about him for information.
Can the vessel be saved?" Ssh
can, " he answers. The planking amid