BOOK RELEASE: Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving

 

Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving
A Pioneer's Journey, by Howard Rosenstein, with Forewords by Sylvia Earle and David Doubilet 

Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving

 

It was a golden period of discovery, especially for Howard Rosenstein. In this captivating memoir, he shares the story behind the transformation of Sharm El Sheik from a battleground to a playground. When he arrived to set up a dive center, there were burnt-out tanks beside the water and cannons guarding the reefs.

It all started humbly with a boxcar on the beach, 'borrowed' power, and a caravan for a home. Tempting people to travel to what was technically a war zone was the next challenge. In the process, they braved floods, assisted grounded ships, and Howard even dived into Mount Sinai itself. Over the following decade, they laid the foundations for one of the most exciting and popular dive destinations on Earth.

They were pioneers of recreational diving, sharing the magic of pristine coral reefs with a generation of adventurous souls. This true story dives headfirst into those intoxicating times, when celebrated guests, uncharted dives, and historical discoveries became the extraordinary routine.

It’s a tale of grit, where resourcefulness and connections fueled Howard’s pioneering spirit. From Roman coins glinting on the seabed to the dark, unmapped depths, his dives unveiled sunken treasures and secrets of the past. He rubbed shoulders with underwater legends, bestselling authors, photography greats, and even world leaders. He navigated murky shipwrecks, charmed amorous sharks, and found himself a player in the delicate dance of peace negotiations, all with the lingering prospect that one day they might be forced to leave their paradise.

A beautiful book with printed hardcover and separate jacket. Featuring 200+ captivating images above and below water taken by the author, David Doubilet and others. 

 

About the author

Howard Rosenstein is a one-off who was inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame in 2009. In this memoir, he shares the more surprising as well as his favorite stories from the early part of his long diving career.

 

Praise for Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving

‘Once in a great while a book comes along that combines masterful storytelling, riveting adventure, charismatic characters, and meaningful messages that will continue to haunt you long after the last page is turned. For me, Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving is that book.’
Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer, Founder of Mission Blue (from the Foreword).

‘A rollicking fun tale... scuba divers worldwide are indebted to them’
Kathy Sullivan, history-making astronaut and oceanographer.

‘A fascinating story.’
Marty Snyderman, underwater photographer, author and photojournalist.

‘A captivating voyage through the exotic wonders of the Middle East... I urge you to pick up a copy and embark on this thrilling journey’
Amos Nachoum, award winning nature photographer and diving travel pioneer, BigAnimals.com

'Howard Rosenstein had a dream that he made a reality - he built, and they came.'
David Doubilet (from the Foreword).

‘A fascinating story that, if it was not the real-life of Howard Rosenstein, it would make a first-class adventure novel.’
Dan Orr, Diving Industry Consultant

‘The amazing recapture of dive-stuff that seems only possible through fantasy, as if he and his boats had fully known just where they were headed, and the incredible dive experiences they would bring to so many.‘
Al Hornsby, Executive VP for International Affairs, PADI

‘A beacon of inspiration, a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.’
Rick Tegeler, Oceanographer, photojournalist, author

 

 Publication details

Published 2 July 2024 | RRP GBP £30
Hardback | ISBN 978-1-909455-53-5 | 208 pages | 1st Edition | 240 x 161 mm
Available now from
Divedup.com, online and from retailers 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nirupam Nigam is the Editor-in-Chief of the Underwater Photography Guide and the President of Bluewater Photo - the world's top underwater photo & video retailer. While growing up in Los Angeles he fell in love with the ocean and pursued underwater photography in the local Channel Islands. After receiving degrees in Aquatic and Fisheries Science and General Biology, as well as a minor in Arctic Studies, Nirupam worked as a fisheries observer on vessels in the Bering Sea and North Pacific. Since then, Nirupam has been a full time underwater photographer and photo gear head. Check out more of his photography at www.photosfromthesea.com!

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