Tyneside Family History.

An unsuccessful attempt was made to raise the Lady Faversham, which lies sunk in the river Tyne, at Shields, by the crew of the steam-vessel belonging to the Universal Salvage Company. The mode of operation is curious. In the first place, two of the crew descended into the water for the purpose of examining the sunken vessel. Upon the head of the diver is placed a metal helmet, having in front three windows of plate glass through which he can see if the water is not to muddy. Attached to the helmet is a pipe, which is supplied with air from pump fixed on the boat. A lifeline is held by the diver, which he pulls if he needs more air the air when pumped into the helmet escapes under the helmet and prevents water from getting in. The body and legs of the diver are protected from the water by an India rubber dress and has lead weights fastened to his chest and back and lead boots in order to enable him to resist the buoyancy of the water. The divers fixed chains to the ship and which have airtight boxes attached air is pumped into the boxes to float the ship to the surface it is usual to have eight chains, two forward, three mid-ships, two aft and one from stem to stern. Unfortunately one of the chains slipped which lessened the amount of buoyancy and the attempt to raise her failed.

Source:-London Illustrated News 10 January 1846.