Book Review
Shipwreck Treasures - Disaster and Discovery on Canada's East Coast
by Roger Marsters
 Reviewed
by Jack Gallagher, International Marine SAR Consultant
This book is a diverse look at the world of east coast shipping over
the last five centuries.
It presents brief but interesting encounters with many well known and
several lesser-known shipwrecks. It spans accounts from whaling in the
mid-1500s to the break-up of the M/V Flare in 1998.
The author's passion for maritime history comes through in the narrative
as he develops the scene and historical context for each event. This same
passion is evident in the description of wrecks that have been replaced
or preserved for the viewing and edification of future generations.
Each chapter tells a story about a particular event or underwater find.
Every story is illustrated with captivating pictures, which draw even
a casual observer into the book. The pictures include maps, photographs
and paintings of ships, artifacts and the people involved.
The stories flow easily although the use of kilometres is distracting
when used to describe distances at sea. As a mariner, I found myself converting
to nautical miles to better understand the scenario that was being described.
Shipwreck Treasures is a good coffee-table book that people will pick
up to look at the pictures. Once picked up it is difficult to put down
without reading at least one of the stories. The good story telling and
great pictures make for a very enjoyable read.
Jack Gallagher is a former Canadian Coast Guard commanding officer
and manager with extensive experience in marine incident response and
Receiver of Wrecks responsibilities.
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