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Deep Descent: Adventure and Death Diving the Andrea Doria
On a foggy July evening in 1956, the Italian cruise liner Andrea Doria, bound for New York, was struck broadside by another vessel. In eleven hours, she would sink nearly 250 feet to the murky Atlantic Ocean floor. Thanks to a daring rescue operation, only 51 of more than 1,700 people died in the tragedy. But the Andrea Doria is still taking lives. Considered the Mt. Everest of diving, the Andrea Doria is the ultimate deepwater wreck challenge. Over the years, a small but fanatical group of extreme scuba divers have investigated the Andrea Doria, pushing themselves to the very limits of human endurance to explore her -- and not all have returned. Diver Kevin McMurray takes you inside this elite club with a hard, honest look at those who go deeper, farther, and closer to the edge than others would ever dream. Deep Descent is the riveting true story of the human spirit overcoming human frailty and of fearsome, mortal risks traded for a hard-core adrenaline rush. Chronicling these adventures in his page-turning narrative and in dozens of dramatic photos, McMurray draws us deeper into the cold heart of the unforgiving sea, giving us a powerful vision of a place to which few will ever have the skills -- or the courage -- to go.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 12, 2016
Reading this book makes me want to get a wreck diving specialty course but at the same time it got me scared shitless. The author laid out his stories really well - despite some typos - and the first chapter - one of the deaths - hooked me. Most if not all deaths on the Doria dives seemed to be the divers' fault whether they realized it or not. It shows that a diver really need to be responsible, don't rely on others, listen to advice and triple check everything and KNOW YOUR OWN LIMIT. Physical health is as crucial as ever and the examples of divers not really paying attention to their health (with fatal results) are described here.
There are tons of requirements you need to be able to meet the Doria. The book has lots of descriptions on this. Since this book was published in 2001 and I want to know the current condition I went and asked one dive shop in Instagram (@urbanmanta) who just recently dived the Doria. Here's what they said to me: "Trimix training for a level head, deco procedures training to learn how to sling bottles (huh?), advanced wreck class, solo diving class, limited viz training, and years of practice doing skills and diving in crap Northeast conditions and Crossfit to be able to pull across the Granny line in a strong current". Hooo boy...
Ok. Back to the book. I like the stories about the captains of the boats catering for Doria dives. These are the legendary trailblazers, the dive gods. The rivalries were described in details especially following the catastrophic '98-99 seasons. Interesting that Doria wreck site actually is not the US authority since it is on international waters so obviously noone can ban any diving activities there. The fact that all dives are done aboard US vessels make a technical leeway for the Coast Guard to 'interfere' but efforts to curb the dives apparently went nowhere. As it should be.
I also love reading about the history on using various gases, from helimix to trimix, which is apparently the highest level of certification you could get as a technical diver. Looks wayyyy too complicated for me, I understand how some people still prefer using the good old compressed air.
Also interesting is the fact that the buddy system is actually not used in Doria (deep wreck dives). I was fuming inside when reading about these deaths (where the fuck were their buddies??) but apparently solo dives are normal practice since buddy dives are considered useless and potentially more dangerous. As a recreational diver the buddy system was ingrained to me from the start so reading this book was quite shocking.
Diving has been indeed a new hot hobby for lots of people and I have seen dive centers lowering their standards to cater for these new, enthusiastic, no-holds-barred and money-laden divers. There are several who did not ask and read my log (let alone ask for my certification cards). They were lucky most of Indonesia's waters are considered 'easy' dives - a far cry for the Doria's Northeast Atlantic waters. Then again, I still feel divers should really know their own limit and not push their luck. Logged dives - experience - and a level head will save you, not your dive guides.
There are tons of requirements you need to be able to meet the Doria. The book has lots of descriptions on this. Since this book was published in 2001 and I want to know the current condition I went and asked one dive shop in Instagram (@urbanmanta) who just recently dived the Doria. Here's what they said to me: "Trimix training for a level head, deco procedures training to learn how to sling bottles (huh?), advanced wreck class, solo diving class, limited viz training, and years of practice doing skills and diving in crap Northeast conditions and Crossfit to be able to pull across the Granny line in a strong current". Hooo boy...
Ok. Back to the book. I like the stories about the captains of the boats catering for Doria dives. These are the legendary trailblazers, the dive gods. The rivalries were described in details especially following the catastrophic '98-99 seasons. Interesting that Doria wreck site actually is not the US authority since it is on international waters so obviously noone can ban any diving activities there. The fact that all dives are done aboard US vessels make a technical leeway for the Coast Guard to 'interfere' but efforts to curb the dives apparently went nowhere. As it should be.
I also love reading about the history on using various gases, from helimix to trimix, which is apparently the highest level of certification you could get as a technical diver. Looks wayyyy too complicated for me, I understand how some people still prefer using the good old compressed air.
Also interesting is the fact that the buddy system is actually not used in Doria (deep wreck dives). I was fuming inside when reading about these deaths (where the fuck were their buddies??) but apparently solo dives are normal practice since buddy dives are considered useless and potentially more dangerous. As a recreational diver the buddy system was ingrained to me from the start so reading this book was quite shocking.
Diving has been indeed a new hot hobby for lots of people and I have seen dive centers lowering their standards to cater for these new, enthusiastic, no-holds-barred and money-laden divers. There are several who did not ask and read my log (let alone ask for my certification cards). They were lucky most of Indonesia's waters are considered 'easy' dives - a far cry for the Doria's Northeast Atlantic waters. Then again, I still feel divers should really know their own limit and not push their luck. Logged dives - experience - and a level head will save you, not your dive guides.
June 11, 2012
The author of this book is a deep-wreck diver, a member of an elite group of enthusiasts that push their bodies, and fate, to extreme limits. Known as the "Mount Everest" of wrecks, the Andrea Doria is a powerful magnet for these men and women; lured by the prospect of touching down on the magnificent liner's deck, and the hope of carrying home an artifact, they dive more than two hundred feet down in cold, murky waters - and sometimes pay the ultimate price for the experience.
McMurray gives a vivid recounting of the collision between the Doria and the Stockholm, and the eleven hours before the liner slipped beneath the waves, which allowed for what is considered to be the greatest sea rescue of all time. He describes the unique challenges faced at such depths, the early attempts to dive the wreck, and the ever bolder explorations of her interior.
Not surprisingly, much ink is devoted to detailed explanations of what can, and does, go wrong; one chapter is dedicated to several divers who lost their lives during the summers of 1998 and 1999. The wreck has been thought both evil and cursed. The author discusses the history of diving, both as a recreational and extreme sport, the cliques and snobbery that exist, and the competition between dive boat operations. He also explains evolving technology and gas mixtures, which are considered both boon and bane.
At times very technical, at others simply fascinating, the author navigates issues of risk and liability, and considers all possible factors in the fatalities, never resting blame on any individual. He writes with passion for the sport and respect for its dangers.
McMurray gives a vivid recounting of the collision between the Doria and the Stockholm, and the eleven hours before the liner slipped beneath the waves, which allowed for what is considered to be the greatest sea rescue of all time. He describes the unique challenges faced at such depths, the early attempts to dive the wreck, and the ever bolder explorations of her interior.
Not surprisingly, much ink is devoted to detailed explanations of what can, and does, go wrong; one chapter is dedicated to several divers who lost their lives during the summers of 1998 and 1999. The wreck has been thought both evil and cursed. The author discusses the history of diving, both as a recreational and extreme sport, the cliques and snobbery that exist, and the competition between dive boat operations. He also explains evolving technology and gas mixtures, which are considered both boon and bane.
At times very technical, at others simply fascinating, the author navigates issues of risk and liability, and considers all possible factors in the fatalities, never resting blame on any individual. He writes with passion for the sport and respect for its dangers.
September 19, 2010
Along with what I consider it's sister book, "Shadow Divers", Deep Descent is a engrossing, riveting, and ultimately terrific book about diving the wreck of the Italian Luxury liner Andrea Doria. The book profiles the liners demise, and also the demise of some eight people who had died to that point (2001) diving her wreck. I for one cannot fathom a more horrible way to die than being lost in an underwater maze, panicked and running out of air. It's a scenario that repeats itself all too often in these two books. We learn about the men who had their lives ended in pursuit of their dreams: To dive the Mt Everest of scuba. An utterly fascinating read, which helps the reader understand why these men suffered the same fate.
Along with many pictures, the writing is very good, albeit a bit technical for the non scuba diver but, easy enough to get around. What makes otherwise intelligent and sane men dive 230ft below the North Atlantic to grab a souvenir when any mistake can be fatal is a mystery to me, but it makes a great read. Highly recommended.
Along with many pictures, the writing is very good, albeit a bit technical for the non scuba diver but, easy enough to get around. What makes otherwise intelligent and sane men dive 230ft below the North Atlantic to grab a souvenir when any mistake can be fatal is a mystery to me, but it makes a great read. Highly recommended.
July 30, 2023
Halfway through this book, I looked up diving expeditions of the Doria on YouTube and I was like oh. OH.
December 10, 2015
Being a SCUBA diver, I really enjoyed this book. It was fascinating (and in many cases sad) reading about all the diving adventures to the Andrea Doria. As a diver who has done many fairly deep dives myself (although none close to the depth of the Doria), I could understand and relate to much of what was being discussed in the book. My guess is that if you are not a diver, you would not enjoy this book as much as I did. I also dove myself on a lot of the other wrecks talked about in the book; The U.S.S. San Diego, The Stolt Digali, and a few of the wrecks off Morehead City, NC (I dove with the dive outfit mentioned in the book - Olympus Dive Center). Reading this gives me the urge to get back into diving again, and maybe try a dive on the Andrea Doria...but then again, maybe not :-). If you are or have been a SCUBA diver, you will enjoy this book.
January 21, 2009
The ocean spray stings my eyes, the breeze whips my hair about, the sweetness of salt tingles my tongue, as this history of the Andrea Doria reaches out to grasp me firmly in a tale of travel, tragedy, adventure, rescue, and deep sea daring. I originally purchased this book as an accessory to Shadow Divers (5 Stars). The two books are somewhat intertwined by a deep sea skin diving rivalry decades old between the boats Seeker and Wahoo, told from different decks as it were. As an added bonus are the photos, and the epilogue, excellent both.
http://www.wahoo2001.com/
http://deepexplorers.com/
http://www.johnchatterton.com/
http://www.wahoo2001.com/
http://deepexplorers.com/
http://www.johnchatterton.com/
January 5, 2013
This book is both exciting and depressing. On the surface it's a book about the adventure of diving deep wrecks, specifically the Andrea Doria. But it's also a giant warning label about the dangers of this. There's lots of death in this book, and don't forget that it's non-fiction.
But it's a good insight into the history of wreck diving, what drives a lot of people to pursue it despite the dangers, and the various personalities and drama among this fairly small diving community.
I'm still excited to start scuba diving someday, but this book convinced me to still keep things fairly shallow.
But it's a good insight into the history of wreck diving, what drives a lot of people to pursue it despite the dangers, and the various personalities and drama among this fairly small diving community.
I'm still excited to start scuba diving someday, but this book convinced me to still keep things fairly shallow.
February 9, 2020
This is good stuff. Very well written exploration of the world of deep diving in the USA and the pioneers behind it by investigative journalist with a hint of gonzo journalling while immersing himself personally deep within the intriguing world of the infamous Andrea Doria (no pun intended).
I liked how he tried to piece together the events that lead to many unfortunate fatalities. It all made sense when I learned that he is a crime investigation writer. It's a very enthralling read with all the drama and well described claustrophobic descents into darkness of the deep waters.
It's intriguing and sobering at the same time. While you feel the alluring pull of the mysteries that lie in the deep at the beginning, it firmly grounds you to the harsh reality and absurdity of risking one's life and causing pain to those near him or her towards the end of the book.
Solid 4/5
I liked how he tried to piece together the events that lead to many unfortunate fatalities. It all made sense when I learned that he is a crime investigation writer. It's a very enthralling read with all the drama and well described claustrophobic descents into darkness of the deep waters.
It's intriguing and sobering at the same time. While you feel the alluring pull of the mysteries that lie in the deep at the beginning, it firmly grounds you to the harsh reality and absurdity of risking one's life and causing pain to those near him or her towards the end of the book.
Solid 4/5
August 4, 2024
Interesting.
July 15, 2020
I will never be a mountaineer and certainly not a deep wreck diver, but these two sports hold a fascination over me. I am not sure why - maybe because I wouldn't ever partake, I can look at it from distance and try to understand the fascination without personally risking my life!
I can think of fewer worse demises than drowning, 200 feet under water whilst trapped in a sunken ship. I do understand the some people want to be challenged by their sport and have a high tolerance for risk. The story of the famed liner the Andrea Doria, and her demise in 1956 is also gripping. Combine these elements and you essentially have the story of the specialized divers who descend to this fabled wreck every year, often in search of mementoes, occasionally paying with their lives.
This is actually the second Doria diving book I have read. They follow a similar path, for obvious reasons, although Deep Descent is more obviously a book that sets out to tell the stories, rather than a cobbled together series of articles. Diving is interesting to me, and it seems intrinsically dangerous and incredibly unforgiving. McMurray is a deep diver and this gives his narrative extra credence. He is at pains to point out that mistakes/equipment failure/panic at depth basically kill you. The ocean is a hostile place. 200 feet doesn't sound a great deal if you are walking it, or even in terms of a game of golf. It is less distance than even the shortest of par threes. However, 200' down in the ocean is clearly a world away, and a world that has no qualms about killing you.
I read this as a diversion to be honest. My reading has recently become a series of challenging studies on racial and other social issues, as well as tackling the top 100 novels of classical literature. This book fits the bill perfectly. Easy to read and follow, and the stories are compelling and sad. The tone is pretty matter of fact. Divers, after all, accept that they are engaged in a dangerous sport. The best narratives are around the boats and the skippers, who have to square their responsibility with their need to run a business. Many have lost friends, sometimes on a dive they shared, but they keep going. Most of them anyway.
George Mallory is reputed to have commented that he sought to climb Everest "because it's there". even if he didn't, it is a sentiment that resonates. The Andrea Doria is there too, and similarly lures skilled people, sometimes to their deaths. I would never do it - I am not built that way so to read about those that do is interesting. As with other books on this subject, one is only able to scratch the surface of these motivations. There is certainly a streak of great self confidence, in some manifesting as arrogance but I didn't get the impression this is universally the case. Some of the divers appeared very conservative and cautious, although this wasn't always enough to save them.
As I say, an interesting window into a world most of us will never experience. I like to do that occasionally, but very glad that is going to be as far as it goes for me!
I can think of fewer worse demises than drowning, 200 feet under water whilst trapped in a sunken ship. I do understand the some people want to be challenged by their sport and have a high tolerance for risk. The story of the famed liner the Andrea Doria, and her demise in 1956 is also gripping. Combine these elements and you essentially have the story of the specialized divers who descend to this fabled wreck every year, often in search of mementoes, occasionally paying with their lives.
This is actually the second Doria diving book I have read. They follow a similar path, for obvious reasons, although Deep Descent is more obviously a book that sets out to tell the stories, rather than a cobbled together series of articles. Diving is interesting to me, and it seems intrinsically dangerous and incredibly unforgiving. McMurray is a deep diver and this gives his narrative extra credence. He is at pains to point out that mistakes/equipment failure/panic at depth basically kill you. The ocean is a hostile place. 200 feet doesn't sound a great deal if you are walking it, or even in terms of a game of golf. It is less distance than even the shortest of par threes. However, 200' down in the ocean is clearly a world away, and a world that has no qualms about killing you.
I read this as a diversion to be honest. My reading has recently become a series of challenging studies on racial and other social issues, as well as tackling the top 100 novels of classical literature. This book fits the bill perfectly. Easy to read and follow, and the stories are compelling and sad. The tone is pretty matter of fact. Divers, after all, accept that they are engaged in a dangerous sport. The best narratives are around the boats and the skippers, who have to square their responsibility with their need to run a business. Many have lost friends, sometimes on a dive they shared, but they keep going. Most of them anyway.
George Mallory is reputed to have commented that he sought to climb Everest "because it's there". even if he didn't, it is a sentiment that resonates. The Andrea Doria is there too, and similarly lures skilled people, sometimes to their deaths. I would never do it - I am not built that way so to read about those that do is interesting. As with other books on this subject, one is only able to scratch the surface of these motivations. There is certainly a streak of great self confidence, in some manifesting as arrogance but I didn't get the impression this is universally the case. Some of the divers appeared very conservative and cautious, although this wasn't always enough to save them.
As I say, an interesting window into a world most of us will never experience. I like to do that occasionally, but very glad that is going to be as far as it goes for me!
June 22, 2015
I've read this book probably four to five times, so it's five stars under my idiosyncratic rating system.
Very interesting book about technical wreck diving on the Andrea Doria. McMurray covers everything -- basic diving science (nitrogen narcosis, "the bends," oxygen toxicity), the sinking of the Doria itself, the dives to visit her that began just a week later. But far too common are the stories of the deaths. The Doria is so deep that dives are extremely dangerous. As McMurray comments at one point, by the time you know something is wrong, you're probably already as good as dead.
McMurray gives a good sense of the personalities involved and (for those who didn't make it) the best guesses as to what went wrong. Good writing and a fascinating subject make this a great book, one that's stood up to repeated rereadings by me.
Very interesting book about technical wreck diving on the Andrea Doria. McMurray covers everything -- basic diving science (nitrogen narcosis, "the bends," oxygen toxicity), the sinking of the Doria itself, the dives to visit her that began just a week later. But far too common are the stories of the deaths. The Doria is so deep that dives are extremely dangerous. As McMurray comments at one point, by the time you know something is wrong, you're probably already as good as dead.
McMurray gives a good sense of the personalities involved and (for those who didn't make it) the best guesses as to what went wrong. Good writing and a fascinating subject make this a great book, one that's stood up to repeated rereadings by me.
June 30, 2014
I enjoy reading about diving, especially more technical diving than I would ever do myself. I appreciate the stories and history included in this book, and I would have rated this book a 4. However, there were several sections that were disjointed or had difficult transitions which confused the timeline for me, and therefore, made this book more difficult to read. For example, I thought Lawrence died in 1998 the way the book read, but the chronology of deaths at the end of the book shows he died several years earlier. Therefore, I've rated the book a 3 based on the readability of it and comprehension of facts and timelines.
December 26, 2013
I'm sure this is an interesting book for a diver to read, but for me as a non-diver it fell short. I was hoping to get some insight about what it is that makes the wreck diving so appealing, especially diving this particular one. However, very little page time is devoted to this (presumably because the divers would already know?) and I am still not sure what it is that makes the Doria so uniquely challenging as presumably there are other wrecks lying just as deep presenting similar dangers. Nevertheless, it is an interesting insight into the world of deep diving.
January 31, 2015
If you are a diver, I believe in my humble and limited experience this is a book that should be read. An excellent glimpse into the forbidden world of deep diving. Even if you have no desire as a recreational diver to go deeper than the prescribed limits, this book provides many examples of why you need to constantly have your wits about you and be situationally aware. The penalty for failure to have your s&%t wired tight is severe in diving. Take the time to learn from those who have paid the ultimate price.
March 6, 2010
This was a really good book on the cautionary tale of deep sea diving. As one feels the lure of discovery and potential treasures(in the way of dive mementos, not so much chests of gold), the book tips more towards the dangers and pitfalls from early technical diving and how many fell to the siren song of the Andrea Doria. The lives of several legendary technical divers and their unfortunate ends are chronicled here in matter-of-fact yet dignified detail.
December 28, 2015
Fascinating look at the sport of wreck diving. It is cautionary without being preachy. It doesn't take sides in what are often a very emotional and political issues; especially involving the deaths of multiple people. The analysis of the accident that sank the Andrea Doria, the history of wreck diving and the accidental deaths while diving on the wreck of the Andrea Doria are described well and make and enjoyable read. This is not just for SCUBA Divers.
November 17, 2015
Great insight to deep sea wreck diving. The author concentrates mainly on the Andrea Doria then dives into the parties and wrecks known to the tourist diving industry. The final third covers the ongoing entanglement relationship with two diving vessels the "Wahoo" and the "Seeker". Highly recommended for anyone looking for adventure or interest in wreck diving. I found myself researching other wrecks mentioned in the book and only wish the book had an updated edition c.2001.
March 6, 2011
After reading this, I guess a dive on the Andrea Doria will have to be on my restricted list along with climbing Mt. Everest, something I'd like to do, but my wife has said "never in your wildest dreams."
This book is much like other diving "disaster" books, lots of accidents, and people who are really obsessed about their hobby.
This book is much like other diving "disaster" books, lots of accidents, and people who are really obsessed about their hobby.
September 12, 2013
A sobering look at many of the deaths that occurred in the 1990's by divers searching the wreck of the cruise ship Andrea Doria. As a casual diver, it certainly made me realize that deep sea wreck diving will never be something on my agenda. A very entertaining and interesting book and I'd recommend it to any diver considering doing such a trip.
February 20, 2018
As an avid recreational diver I love reading these stories, as I won't ever be going down to those depths! This was an interesting and well written read. Even if you aren't a diver but you enjoy extreme adventure stories (i.e. climbing Everest), this might be interesting to you. I've also read Shadow Divers and it was fun to see some of the overlapping characters between the two books.
October 28, 2007
I love scuba diving. However, I am a recreational diver. This book describes those that are driven to dive shipwrecks. Driven to the depths at which can and does kill them. These men and women push themselves to the limit just to see if they can.
September 1, 2011
This book is most definitely required reading for divers at any level, but especially those who dive wrecks. It's been said that the Andrea Doria is the Mt. Everest for divers in terms of sheer difficulty and, based on the narratives in this book, I'm inclined to agree.
October 11, 2011
This book is alternately compelling and boring. The story is told a little disjointedly, starting off with the most dramatic death, and then skipping around the timeline. The author makes the mistake of including his totally uninteresting backstory.
October 9, 2007
This was a fascinating introduction into a really scary pasttime...deep diving. I loved the rivalries.
April 9, 2008
Fascinating book about extreme diving on the Andrea Doria.
November 6, 2008
If you love scuba diving books, this is a must read. Check out Shadow Divers as well.
March 5, 2009
Mom - here is another one you would like
June 21, 2010
Really interesting book
June 28, 2016
Reviewed here: http://www.learntodivetoday.co.za/blo...
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August 18, 2011Very interesting and adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews