SAVAGE SEAS Rosemary Kingsland — Macmillan 1998

Tied to the ITV series, this book brings popular science up to date. It was at one time assumed that only our human ancestors had the intelligence to build crude craft and migrate by sea but archaeological finds in 1998 on the island of Flores suggest that ape-men migrated on crude rafts as early as 800,000 years ago. Similarly at school we were taught that Columbus discovered America, but then in turn Portuguese fishermen, the Vikings, Celtic monks and a south-eastern Asian migration were said to have preceded him. Now 5th century Chinese Buddhist monks head the list.

More is coming to light on enormous freak waves sometimes encountered in certain areas, such as the Biscay 100 fathom line. Such waves may be the reason why so many ships have gone missing in the Bermuda Triangle.

Hypothermia, the greatest hazard for dinghy sailors, is discussed. Helicopter crews have found that carrying seriously hypothermic people upright can kill them off. Mountaineers knew this years ago!

If the accounts of freak waves, hurricanes etc fail to scare you, read about fisteria faecidida, the horrific fish-killing organism that, due to pollution, is mutating out of control and now attacking humans! And much, much, more. This book should be available from your public library.

LOST SHIPS OF THE WEST COUNTRY M Langley & E Small — Stanford Maritime 1998

This lists and provides details including map references, of the many wrecks that can be seen from coastal footpaths from Poole Harbour to Gloucester. These are mostly fishing boats or sailing barges. Some are wartime MLs. A few are now being restored.

Available from the DCA library.