Book on the sinking of 'SS Marine Electric' is used by maritime academies and inspection instructors to teach the reasons for maritime safety, now reprinted by by US Naval Institute, Blue Jacket Press
"Until the Sea Shall Free Them," an account of the sinking of the SS Marine Electric in 1983 and the rescue of some of its crew, is back in print after Blue Jacket press and the Naval Institute rolled press on a second printing.
The book, used by maritime academies and USCG safety instructors, tells the story of how more than 30 men went into the cold waters off Virginia and how only three came back. The three men, lead by Captain Robert M. Cusick, then battled against great odds to reform the industry. They eventually succeeded with the help of Coast Guard Captain Domenic A. Calicchio.
In the aftermath of the wreck, inspection systems were tightened, more than 70 old unsafe ships were scrapped and Congress created the now famous USCG Rescue Swimmer service.
"I'm very grateful to the U.S. Naval Institute for making the book available at a reasonable price to students and the general public," said maritime writer Robert R. Frump . "While it's great to know collectors place value on out-of-print editions, it feels far better to have the book circulating again."