The Diver and the Cook

Description

Following disaster in a storm, a story of courage emerges.

A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone. Braving treacherous conditions, Nico van Heerden combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck alone, searching for any sign of the lost crew.

After several hours of mentally and physically exhausting work, while exploring a small, isolated compartment deep inside the confusing upturned wreck, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. How could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?

The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. Told first-hand, with authentic images and detailed reconstructions, veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life.

The book is a testament to the unwavering determination of the human spirit as Harrison Okene, the galley chef, fights for survival after his ship goes down. Meanwhile, rookie saturation diver Nico faces a daunting challenge: leading the rescue mission in a perilous underwater environment. With time running out, what rules must the dive team break to save Harrison before it’s too late?

Experience the suspenseful rescue operation narrated by the heroes themselves. Authentic photos and meticulous reconstructions bring this incredible story of survival against all odds to life.

A gripping and unprecedented rescue operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations.

Video trailer

Reviews

‘A “book of the moment”… An exciting and emotional read, and Olsen has made it an easy one… This breath-taking story is well worth the relatively short time it will take you to read.’– Divernet.com

‘Absolutely gripping… will shock even veteran divers… a very well-crafted, accurate account of an improbable rescue that deserves far more recognition than it originally received – and is well worth a read.’– DIVE magazine

‘Fascinating non-fiction… gripping and scary… a story worthy of Harrison’s perseverance and the miracle of his saving.’– Undercurrent.org

‘Wow! What a story, and what an incredible feat of not only survival for the cook but of the sheer bravery and determination of his rescuers. It’s an easy read with absolutely no waffle or embellishment and is probably the quickest I have ever read a book from cover to cover. It’s not only a story that will touch the hearts of divers but is also a great read for anyone who has not been to or under the sea at all.’– Scubaverse.com

As featured on Duiken in Beeld.

Reviews of the original Danish version:

‘A fantastically good and exciting narrative.’

‘A super good book.’

‘Gripping and super exciting.’

‘Fantastic story.’

Table of Contents

Preface; 1- The Toilet Was Now on the Ceiling, and I Was on the Floor; 2- From Rusty Pipes to a Hearse; 3- They Eat the Eyes, Ears and Nose First …; 4- We Are Expecting to Find a Body Here; 5- Treading on a Mattress or a Body Feels Just the Same; 6- Grace, Grace, Grace; 7- What the Fuck??; 8- I Have No Idea What to Do; 9- How the Hell Do We Get Him Out; 10- The Plan; 11- The Cook Always Survives; 12- Three Went Down, Four Came Up; 13- On Land Again … and Into the Water … Again; 14- Dancing Makes You Happy; Postscript: The Open Hatch; How We Did It; Acknowledgements; Index.

About the author of The Diver and the Cook

Veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen boasts a 40+ year career. He’s participated in stunts and FX on over 600 films, directed eleven features, and filmed extensively underwater. He’s led expeditions uncovering historical mysteries like the Flying Enterprise wreck and documented adventures worldwide. He’s also a producer and lecturer. The Diver and the Cook was originally published in Danish as Dykkeren of Kokken (Feb 2024).

Additional information