Kevin F. McMurray

The Empress of Ireland is the forgotten ship disaster of the early 20th century. Sandwiched between the Titanic and Lusitania, she has been overshadowed by thos two famous wrecks, yet proportionately more people were lost when this luxurious liner collided with a collier in the St Lawrence seaway in May 1914 than in either the Titanic or Lusitania. Only 350 survived out of a complement of 1470. Because of the strong tides and murky water in the St Lawrence River, the wreck remains a difficult proposition for divers, although this hasn't stopped it being plundered by scavengers. This is an enthralling book about the story of the wreck and the dangers of diving on her. Highly recommended.… (mehr)

Great book about a fabled sea tragedy and the continuing tragedy of divers who push themselves too far in the pursuit of prized relics from the lost vessel. The Andrea Doria lies virtually at the absolute possible depth for scuba diving. Reaching her takes an extraordinarily high level of technology and skill, and virtually any mistake guarantees a painful death. Yet dozens of divers keep trying, lusting for the prize of relics for the wreck, especially the ship's china, and as this book describes in chilling detail, many never live to return with their prizes.… (mehr)