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Honeymoon Dive: The Real Story of the Tragic Honeymoon Death of Tina Watson
At 10.42 AM on 22 October 2003, while diving around the SS Yongala shipwreck site on the Great Barrier Reef, a diver took what he thought was just one of many underwater photos. But that picture was to tell a desperate story. In the lower right-hand corner of the shot, Tina Watson's lifeless body lies 25 metres down on the ocean floor, her arms outstretched, reaching upwards. This is the photograph which shocked millions across Australia and the US.
How could this young woman have died, a mere seven minutes into her dive, when Gabe Watson, her diving buddy and husband of only eleven days, was a certified rescue diver? How could such an experienced diver have panicked and abandoned his new wife to her fate, as he later told police? As the tragedy unfolded and witnesses came forward, disturbing evidence mounted that something more sinister might have occurred. Could Gabe Watson have murdered Tina?
This is the captivating mystery at the heart of this true-life thriller, as Lindsay Simpson and Jennifer Cooke cover two continents to discover the real story.
How could this young woman have died, a mere seven minutes into her dive, when Gabe Watson, her diving buddy and husband of only eleven days, was a certified rescue diver? How could such an experienced diver have panicked and abandoned his new wife to her fate, as he later told police? As the tragedy unfolded and witnesses came forward, disturbing evidence mounted that something more sinister might have occurred. Could Gabe Watson have murdered Tina?
This is the captivating mystery at the heart of this true-life thriller, as Lindsay Simpson and Jennifer Cooke cover two continents to discover the real story.
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
456 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2010
35 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 1, 2018
I live in Queensland, Australia, and have visited Townsville, so, the setting of this nonfiction book was familiar to me. Books written about areas I am acquainted with tend to strike a deeper chord with me. Perhaps, others feel the same.
The author tries to simply set down the facts surrounding Tina's death, and let the readers form their own opinions. Was it murder? Was it stupidity, and lack of appropriate duty of care? No one knows except Tina, and Gabe.
I will say, if the details in this book are true, Gabe sounds like he's a few bricks short of a load (as they say in the USA southern states). He seems to be the king of inappropriate remarks. For example, at Tina's wake, her best friend, Amanda, approached the casket and complimented Gabe on Tina's dress and Gabe said "at least her breasts look perky". WTF?! I told my hubby if he says that over my casket, I'll sit up and slap him. He said he'd deserve it!
If you have an interest in this case, you'll probably want to read this book.
3 Stars = I liked the book. I enjoyed it. I'm glad I read it.
The author tries to simply set down the facts surrounding Tina's death, and let the readers form their own opinions. Was it murder? Was it stupidity, and lack of appropriate duty of care? No one knows except Tina, and Gabe.
I will say, if the details in this book are true, Gabe sounds like he's a few bricks short of a load (as they say in the USA southern states). He seems to be the king of inappropriate remarks. For example, at Tina's wake, her best friend, Amanda, approached the casket and complimented Gabe on Tina's dress and Gabe said "at least her breasts look perky". WTF?! I told my hubby if he says that over my casket, I'll sit up and slap him. He said he'd deserve it!
If you have an interest in this case, you'll probably want to read this book.
3 Stars = I liked the book. I enjoyed it. I'm glad I read it.
July 16, 2013
I have followed the work of Jennifer Cooke, both as a journalist and an author over many years. Jennifer writes brilliantly.
As a scuba diver with 25 years diving experience and a criminal investigator with over 35 years experience, this was always going to be one book that was going to fascinate me. The media hype surrounding the death of Tina Watson and the subsequent conviction (in Australia) of her husband Gabe and the outcome of this trial in the U.S.A was never going to tell the real story. And that is exactly what this book has set out to do. But this book does more than that. It gives everyone a chance to think deep and hard about so many aspects of these people's lives and the circumstances surrounding Tina's death. For me personally, did it give me the answers that I sought? No it didn't and that is what I liked about it so much. Everyone is entitled to form their own opinions and Fatal Honeymoon Dive contains plenty of opinions. Are they right? Some of the experts consider themselves able to provide irrefutable evidence. And that is always the danger of focusing so hard on just one theory. This book is a delicious smorgasboard. As you sit down and feast on the story, may I suggest you take a long hard look at all the ingredients, you may just find some tidbits, like I did, that open up a new can of worms to ponder over. Highly recommended
As a scuba diver with 25 years diving experience and a criminal investigator with over 35 years experience, this was always going to be one book that was going to fascinate me. The media hype surrounding the death of Tina Watson and the subsequent conviction (in Australia) of her husband Gabe and the outcome of this trial in the U.S.A was never going to tell the real story. And that is exactly what this book has set out to do. But this book does more than that. It gives everyone a chance to think deep and hard about so many aspects of these people's lives and the circumstances surrounding Tina's death. For me personally, did it give me the answers that I sought? No it didn't and that is what I liked about it so much. Everyone is entitled to form their own opinions and Fatal Honeymoon Dive contains plenty of opinions. Are they right? Some of the experts consider themselves able to provide irrefutable evidence. And that is always the danger of focusing so hard on just one theory. This book is a delicious smorgasboard. As you sit down and feast on the story, may I suggest you take a long hard look at all the ingredients, you may just find some tidbits, like I did, that open up a new can of worms to ponder over. Highly recommended
November 5, 2011
this book was fantastic... it left me angry at the situation i have always wanted to know what happened.the justice system sucks
May 5, 2011
Generally a good book. Slow in some bits
March 10, 2011
This is a sad tale of a young woman who loses her life on her 'dream' honeymoon in Australia while atempting to dive the wreck of the SS Yongala off Townsville in Queensland. Her new husband is immediately under suspicion and the book follows what happens after Tina Watson is reported in trouble by her husband Gabe as well as the lead up to their marriage and tragic honeymoon. What struck me as sad was that Tina married Gabe Watson in the first place. I was surprised that in this day and age a young woman with so much going for her felt that she had to define herself by her marital status and as a consequence had no choice but to marry a brute like Gabe Watson.
September 29, 2017
Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions below are entirely my own. This review was taken from my Amazon page.
It's easy to take a case like this, in fact and fiction, and demonize one side based on one's own thoughts, but these two journalists didn't get to where they are by taking the easy way out. This emotional and poignant case is handled delicately, thoroughly, and (mostly) objectively, with just the right amount of subjectivity to make it engaging.
This work deals in complex people and an even more complex case, the nuances of which the authors are clearly dedicated to hammering out. However, it is in these details that I found myself a bit lost - there are times in which as a reader, I felt like I was being swamped with too much extraneous detail. I'm sure it'd be invaluable were I a detective looking to solve the case, but it felt like a little much for my tastes.
It was slow reading at times, but it also unfolded much like a live case - it had definite highlights as well, especially nearer the end.
The bottom line: This was my first foray into the true crime genre, but an overall enjoyable one. Clearly well-researched, the authors' exhaustive coverage really brought the case to life.
With questions or comments, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact me at SeanOnAmazon@gmail.com
It's easy to take a case like this, in fact and fiction, and demonize one side based on one's own thoughts, but these two journalists didn't get to where they are by taking the easy way out. This emotional and poignant case is handled delicately, thoroughly, and (mostly) objectively, with just the right amount of subjectivity to make it engaging.
This work deals in complex people and an even more complex case, the nuances of which the authors are clearly dedicated to hammering out. However, it is in these details that I found myself a bit lost - there are times in which as a reader, I felt like I was being swamped with too much extraneous detail. I'm sure it'd be invaluable were I a detective looking to solve the case, but it felt like a little much for my tastes.
It was slow reading at times, but it also unfolded much like a live case - it had definite highlights as well, especially nearer the end.
The bottom line: This was my first foray into the true crime genre, but an overall enjoyable one. Clearly well-researched, the authors' exhaustive coverage really brought the case to life.
With questions or comments, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact me at SeanOnAmazon@gmail.com
May 26, 2013
Although I am not a diver (hell, I am not even a swimmer!), I have been to Townsville several times now, thanks to family living there. (Family, who incidentally are divers.) So, while some of the technical diving stuff went a bit beyond me at times, I did feel somewhat 'grounded' with all the references to places, buildings and weather conditions in Townsville.
Was it murder or gross negligence and cowardice on Tina's husband's behalf, leading to manslaughter? I can see the arguments to either but lean towards the former. Opportunistic and compulsive, as opposed to carefully planned out.
I found the pre-incident part of the book the most interesting - and the saddest. What sort of low self esteem did this woman have to allow herself to be bullied and domineered by a man such as Watson? The business about the engagement ring was just downright abusive and weird. And by the sounds of it, his family was no better.
The book ends with Watson's trial beginning in the US. I had to look up what the outcome was and was mortified at the results.
An intriguing book about a tragic death and a terrible outcome.
Was it murder or gross negligence and cowardice on Tina's husband's behalf, leading to manslaughter? I can see the arguments to either but lean towards the former. Opportunistic and compulsive, as opposed to carefully planned out.
I found the pre-incident part of the book the most interesting - and the saddest. What sort of low self esteem did this woman have to allow herself to be bullied and domineered by a man such as Watson? The business about the engagement ring was just downright abusive and weird. And by the sounds of it, his family was no better.
The book ends with Watson's trial beginning in the US. I had to look up what the outcome was and was mortified at the results.
An intriguing book about a tragic death and a terrible outcome.
June 5, 2016
Accident or Homicide?
This is a well-written and thorough account of the death of Tina Watson in October of 2003.
Tina Thomas and Gabe Watson were married on October 11, 2003, and spent their honeymoon in Australia. Gabe was an enthusiastic scuba diver and his dream was to dive the Great Barrier Reef. Tina was a novice diver who learned to dive merely to please Gabe.
During their dive at a shipwreck site on October 22, Tina died. The book gives a very detailed account of what happened based on what Gabe did and said, according to various witnesses to the event. You will be able to form your own opinion about the cause and manner of Tina's death.
The case was thoroughly investigated by Australian authorities as well as by Alabama law enforcement.
This is a well-written and thorough account of the death of Tina Watson in October of 2003.
Tina Thomas and Gabe Watson were married on October 11, 2003, and spent their honeymoon in Australia. Gabe was an enthusiastic scuba diver and his dream was to dive the Great Barrier Reef. Tina was a novice diver who learned to dive merely to please Gabe.
During their dive at a shipwreck site on October 22, Tina died. The book gives a very detailed account of what happened based on what Gabe did and said, according to various witnesses to the event. You will be able to form your own opinion about the cause and manner of Tina's death.
The case was thoroughly investigated by Australian authorities as well as by Alabama law enforcement.
May 8, 2015
Good book. I actually changed my opinion half way through the book. From believing Gabe was a cold hearted murderer, I now believe he is just an arrogant idiot. He made out, and probably believed himself, that he was a better diver than he actually was and poor Tina fell for it, and trusted him. My only criticism of the book is that it was SO long. I felt like I was reading about diving for DAYS! RIP Tina.
September 25, 2015
Bought this in the Hamilton Island airport as I was leaving after my first scuba diving experience. Glad I read it after and not before : ) True crime is always my guilty pleasure and this thick read was no exception. I couldn't put it down. The authors were very thorough. I didn't have any questions left when I was done reading, and that is rare. (Other than the obvious questions of wtf is wrong with this guy? and Wtf is wrong with the Australian criminal justice system?)
May 13, 2012
Very slow to start and skimmed a lot. Very interesting once it got into it though and just had to keep reading to find out the story. The ending left me wanting to know more and also left me feeling a little annoyed and angry at our Justice System. Would definitely recommend it, worth the read.
October 5, 2017
An ok book
Interesting story. Well written. But I was just disturbed by the whole thing. I did want to know the details of this story which I heard about when it happened, and I saw some tv shows about it. I feel sorry for everyone involved.
Interesting story. Well written. But I was just disturbed by the whole thing. I did want to know the details of this story which I heard about when it happened, and I saw some tv shows about it. I feel sorry for everyone involved.
May 26, 2012
Makes you think.
Read
May 30, 2013Such injustice! The book was great but the contents / story so frustrating. Gabe Watson is a murderer who got away with it.
July 8, 2016
Quite intriguing
Heard about this but never heard the whole story. Tragic ending to a young bride. Makes you wonder if a perfect crime wasn't committed. Hmmm.
Heard about this but never heard the whole story. Tragic ending to a young bride. Makes you wonder if a perfect crime wasn't committed. Hmmm.
August 25, 2023
Did he or didn’t he? That is what I was thinking all the way though this book which kept me keen to keep reading, keen to gather more information and keen to read the different opinions of the people involved preceding and on the day of the death of Tina.
My opinion at the end was Gabe didn’t deliberately murder his wife on their honeymoon but he was seriously lacking in his duty of care to his bride. I cannot imagine any newly married man leaving his wife at the bottom of the ocean unless he panicked but then again maybe he did turn her scuba oxygen off and back on again after the crime.
The only one who really knows what happened is Gabe.
My opinion at the end was Gabe didn’t deliberately murder his wife on their honeymoon but he was seriously lacking in his duty of care to his bride. I cannot imagine any newly married man leaving his wife at the bottom of the ocean unless he panicked but then again maybe he did turn her scuba oxygen off and back on again after the crime.
The only one who really knows what happened is Gabe.
December 31, 2024
Read this because, as a casual scuba diver myself, I was interested in the case when it happened. Who can forget the haunting image splashed on the news of the diver on the ocean floor?
Anyway, I came into it being sure of Watsons guilt, but this book did raise some interesting questions that did me question if he is truly quilts or just a jerk. I went back and forth the entire book.
The book was pretty good, although it did get a little repetitive and I did learn a few things that I don’t recall ever being mentioned in the news.
Anyway, I came into it being sure of Watsons guilt, but this book did raise some interesting questions that did me question if he is truly quilts or just a jerk. I went back and forth the entire book.
The book was pretty good, although it did get a little repetitive and I did learn a few things that I don’t recall ever being mentioned in the news.
March 2, 2019
Horrifying death
Read
April 5, 2023I heard about this from a few true crime people never knew it was happened in my home town of Townsville
April 4, 2013
Found it very slow to start. Overall a very sad but interesting case.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews