Il Cammeo - 328: Cacciatori del mare

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In his first nonfiction work, Cussler delves into the captivating realm of undersea adventure that parallels his Dirk Pitt novels. He shares his lifelong passion for the sea and ships, detailing how his quest for John Paul Jones's renowned Revolutionary War vessel, the Bonhomme Richard, led to the founding of the NUMA (National Underwater and Marine Agency) Foundation. This nonprofit is dedicated to discovering and preserving historic shipwrecks. From over sixty shipwrecks uncovered by Cussler and NUMA volunteers, he highlights twelve particularly intriguing cases, chosen for their historical significance, the circumstances of their sinking, or the challenges faced during their recovery. With engaging storytelling reminiscent of his novels, Cussler recounts the searches for notable ships, including the Union frigate Cumberland, sunk by the Confederate ironclad CSS Virginia during the Civil War; the Confederate Hunley, the first submarine to sink a warship; the U-21, a German U-boat that achieved a similar feat in World War I; and the American troop transport Leopoldville, lost to a German submarine on Christmas Eve, 1944, resulting in significant casualties. He also discusses Engine #51, a locomotive that plunged from a bridge in 1878. These wrecks, dating back to 1840, span the continental United States, the Atlantic Ocean, and the North Sea.