DIVERS IN PERIL

Hokitika Guardian, 30 December 1932, Page 6

DIVERS IN PERIL

'SALVAGING THE M2. TRAPPED BY FOULED GEAR, LONDON, December 10. The 10 months’, salvage operations in an unsuccessful attempt to raise tlie -submarine M2 have resulted, declares the News-Chronicle, in the birth of a new naval arm, tlie 512 divers using tlieir experience to train a new COrjjo.

Tlie divers made 1300 separate descents during.cue operations, usually remaining 90 minutes under water, and taking a further 72 to rise to the surface, alius avoiding too sudden changes of pressure. • Tlie longest dive lasted 340 minutes. T'ne lives of the men were in constant peril, divers being trapped on tlie seabed when the gear fouled. One was held a prisoner upside down until comrades caved to leiease him. Otliers were carried by dangerous tides under , the ship, and one was using a new -oxjy-hydV-o! cuj er when \it exploded. He had a miraculous escape, although his diving suit had to be cut off him. The hull of the 512 was sealed with tons of cement. A diver who- had been instructed to make his way to another part of -the long, hull heard through the telephone someone singing “I’m Happy When I’m Hiking” a-s he plodded in his leaden shoes along the ocean bed.