David Masters
The wonders of salvage
"The Wonders of Salvage" by David Masters is a non-fiction account detailing the art and challenges of maritime salvage, written in the early 20th century. The narrative discusses the complex processes and trials faced by salvage experts as they work to recover sunken vessels and their valuable cargoes, drawing on both historical examples and the author's own observations. The opening of the book sets the scene with a vivid depiction of a seasoned ship captain navigating through a turbulent storm. As he skillfully guides his vessel, the text delves into the melancholic reality of shipwrecks, emphasizing the annual economic losses they incur and the aftermath of human negligence against nature's might. Masters discusses the essential role of salvage workers, the complexity of their challenges, their relentless spirit, and the unpredictable influence of weather on salvage operations. The text hints at thrilling stories of treasure recovery, detailing the remarkable perseverance and ingenuity required to extract remnants of lost fortunes from the depths of the ocean.