5 replies to this topic

[Diverbrian]

I will touch on more details when I have a clearer head, but I wanted to let people know why some of us see a link to wrecks.

There is a shipwreck in the Straits of Mackinac named the Cedarville. It was a 588 ft. bulk frieghter that was involved in a collision with a Norwegian ship in the shadow of the Mackinaw bridge (fog and too much trust in radar with no communications between ships). The date was May 7, 1965.

Well, one of my dive buddies had a duty to perform on a trip that I was honored to attend. His father was an oiler (engine room operator/mechanic) on the ship when the collision happened. His father was NOT among the ten crew members who perished.

His father died last year. Yesterday afternoon on a beautiful day, the son took his father's ashes down to the engine room one last time. Then on the surface, his son sprinkled the ashes over the ship that he was fortunate to escape, but lost many friends on.

This had to be one of the most meaningful wreck dives that I have been a part in. BTW, we did six dives total and one on the Cedarville stern and one on the bow.

Lovely conditions all weekend.

Edited by Diverbrian, 26 July 2004 - 10:31 AM.

[ddierolf]

Very touching story! Thank ou for sharing it with us!

Dennis

[chinacat46]

Thanks Brian what a great way for to be put to rest. I'm touched and I wasn't there and don't know the family. I'm sure every time you dive that wreck you will think of his dad.

Edited by chinacat46, 25 July 2004 - 10:02 PM.

[triggerfish]

wow, hon...i see what you meant by a moving experience.
how beautiful.

[drbill]

Definitely a touching story DiverBrian. Thanks for sharing it.

I have a personal connection with one of the wrecks in Catalina's Dive Park, although not an emotionally moving one. The Pisces (glassbottom boat) was owned by a friend of mine and we used to party often on it in the early 70's (back when all we could afford was Red Mountain or Spinada). Every time I dive on that wreck, I think of the good times we had. Of course no one died when it went down and it brings back good memories rather than sad ones.

Doc

[Laura]

Brian,

We missed you at the DAN BBQ, but I am glad to hear that you were able to do something so meaningful instead. What a lovely gesture. This was very touching, thanks for sharing.


Laura