Diver working on the hull of a ship underwater

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

Diver working on the hull of a ship underwater

A diver (in helmet and breathing gear) working on the hull of a submerged vessel - most likely welding work using an oxy acetylene torch. Date: 1943

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 32253996

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

1943 Acetylene Boots Cutting Dive Diver Diving Heavy Lead Pressure Repair Repairing Repairs Torch Tubes Underwater Weld Welder Welding Welds Blowtorch High Pressure

EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Underwater Ship Repair: A Diver's Perspective, 1943" In this evocative black-and-white photograph, we witness a diver in the throes of an intricate underwater repair job on a submerged vessel during the 1940s. The diver, clad in a bulky helmet and breathing gear, focuses intently on the hull of the ship as he meticulously works with an oxy-acetylene torch. The torch, a vital tool for underwater welding and cutting, is connected to heavy tubes and tanks, which are anchored to the diver's weighted belt and boots. The image transports us back to a time when underwater repair work was a complex and high-risk endeavor. The diver's determined expression and the murky underwater environment create a sense of tension and suspense. The surrounding water, filled with suspended sediment and debris, adds to the image's gritty, authentic feel. The oxy-acetylene torch, a technological marvel of the era, allowed for the efficient and effective repair of ships' hulls underwater. The high-pressure gas mixture produced by the torch enabled the diver to weld and cut through metal with precision and speed. This was a critical capability during wartime, as ships required constant maintenance and repair to remain operational. The photograph, taken in 1943, offers a glimpse into the challenging and essential work that underwater divers performed during the 1940s. Their bravery and skill played a crucial role in ensuring the readiness and functionality of naval fleets during a time of global conflict.

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