Overview

Thomas Cecil a native of Rathlin Island Born 25th May 1946. Fisherman, campaigner, writer, historian and diver, dedicated his life to preserving, researching and documenting the Maritime History around these shores. An active diver since the 1960's he spent his life exploring these wrecks: HMS Drake, Ella Hewitt, The Lochgarry, The Santa Maria, The Girvan, The Templemore, The Pintail, The Shackleton, The Bouncer, The Lugano, The Erlo Hills, The Arriero, The Taymouth Castle, He diligently researched the details of all the known wrecks over many years and published his findings in this book 'The Harsh Winds of Rathlin' He also won the admiration of Richard Branson for his rescue attempts on the 3rd July 1987 when his balloon 'The Virgin Flyer' ditched off the North Coast of the island at the end of his transatlantic crossing. He subsequently contributed GBP25,000 to the island as a reward for Tommy's efforts. He identified many wreck sites which were beyond the reach of divers with the equipment available in his lifetime. He promoted the rich diversity of the marine life found in amazingly clear unpolluted waters, as well as establishing Rathlin's International Dive Centre in 1991. This arreacted hundreds of divers from around the world every year, until his accidental death exploring the wreck of the 'Tuscania', ( an exceptionally deep dive) on the 21st September 1997. It was his ambition to retain for public enjoyment all the artefacts he recovered and to make his research papers available for the benefit of all who love the sea; working hard to maintain Rathlin's rich Maritime Heritage. ''Forgetting not to toll the bell, For those who lived and days are gone, Yet still have dreams And yarns to tell''

Full Product Details

9781909906525

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available