Beyond the reefs

by William Travis

An inveterate adventurer and explorer, William Travis abandoned his flying career for the seas of the Indian Ocean to dive for saleable shell off the coast of the remote Seychelles. There he found a world apart, one which tourists were yet to discover, where underwater coral dazzled the eye and where killer sharks appeared from depths to threaten the lives of the author and his men. Taking on a local and eccentric crew, Travis went on to purchase the decrepit cutter, "Golden Bells" and fished for shark. At sea for weeks on end, he sailed by instinct, survived by insight. This book incorporates two of Travis' adventures, "Shark for Sale" and "Beyond the Reefs", and presents a portrait of a world now lost forever.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

384 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 1992

Reviews

[Igor G · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book consists of two parts. In the first part, "Beyond the reefs", author describes his shell collecting expeditions with the team of local divers he has trained himself. The second part, "Shark for sale", take place a little later when author tries his talents in shark fishing. Events take place in the Seychelles in the 50's. During expeditions many Seychellois islands are described, their versatile natural conditions and animal life on land and under water. Also author provides very interesting insights into everyday life and social conditions of Seychellois fishermen and creole population in general.

[K's Bognoter · Rating 3 out of 5]

På jagt efter grønne perlemorssnegle. William Travis’ beretning om sine oplevelser som sneglefisker på koralrevene omkring Seychellerne i 1950’erne er særdeles velskrevet, levende og i passager endda medrivende. Men tiden er nok løbet lidt fra denne form for rejseskildringer.
Mere på K’s bognoter: https://bognoter.dk/2019/03/24/willia...

[Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seychelles

"I should once more fall a victim to blind panic, in exactly the same manner as that first time off the reef."

"We were after shells, not accidents."

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly written true adventures of life in the Seychelle Islands in 1950-60. wish I could find more like this!

[Val · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seychelles