The true story about a shipwreck discovery, exciting explorations, broken alliances, and returning a lost piece of Alaskan history. Since its sinking in 1860 while transporting a valuable cargo of ice, the Kad_yak ship had remained submerged underwater and faded in Alaska_s memory, covered by the legend of an experienced but perhaps rusty sailor and a broken promise to a saint. At the time the ship had been under command of the well-recognized Captain Illarion Arkhimandritov, who had sailed in Alaskan waters for years. It seemed a simple task when he was asked to placate superstitions and honor the late Father Herman, or Saint Herman, on his next visit to Kodiak Island. But Arkhimandritov failed to keep his promise, and shortly thereafter the Kad_yak met its demise in the very waters the captain should have been most familiar with_leaving just the mast above the water in the shape of the cross, right in front of the saint_s grave. Presumed gone or else destroyed, it wasn_t until 143 years later that the Kad_yak was found. In this riveting memoir, scientist Bradley Stevens tells all about the incredible discovery and recovery of the ship_deciphering the sea captain_s muddled journal, digging through libraries and other scientists_ notes, boating over and around the wreck site in circles. Through careful documentation, interviews, underwater photography, and historical research, Stevens recounts the process of finding the Kad_yak, as well as the tumultuous aftermath of bringing the legendary ship_s story to the public_from the formed collaborations to torn partnerships to the legal battles. An important part of Alaska_s history told from Stevens_s modern-day sea expedition, The Ship, the Saint, and the Sailor reveals one of the oldest known shipwreck sites in Alaska discovered and its continuing story today.
- | Author: Bradley G. Stevens
- | Publisher: Alaska Northwest Books
- | Publication Date: Oct 16, 2018
- | Number of Pages: 280 pages
- | Language: English
- | Binding: Paperback/Biography & Autobiography
- | ISBN-10: 1513261371
- | ISBN-13: 9781513261379
