Shadow Divers: John Chatterton's Interview with ScubaBoard

[Chatterton]

All,

DD, as much as I would like to take credit for writing a bestseller, Richie and I are the principles (or subject) of the book and Rob Kurson is the author. Just for the record, he is a very obsessive guy and a pain in the butt to work with, which is why we understood him???

Buoyant, thanks for the summary. With regards as to what sank U869, I am with you. The circular run torpedo scenario was simply a hypothesis, and still is in my opinion? This kind of thing happened to both Axis and Allied subs. The Crow/Koiner event is something that we looked at and discarded years ago because there was no physical evidence, and no Action Report? I did not even remember this event, but John Yurga had it in his notes? The Koiner put a launch in the water and looked for debris or fuel and found nothing. They could have sunk the sub, but not based on what I have seen. Certainly, another hypothesis. To date, I have seen nothing to positively confirm any particular hypothesis or scenario as to what sank the U869. Maybe some day we find out, maybe we don't?

USB asks about memorable dives? I have been diving long enough that I have a bunch of memorable dives, both good and bad. They are the ones where I either achieved a long sought after goal, like on the U-boat, or the ones where I learned a valuable lesson, like when I had a complete rebreather failure inside the Britannic in 1998? Both are dives that have helped form who I am as a diver. In my diving career, no one dive or destination stands out. My favorite dive is the next one.

Steve, the last time I saw you it would seem that pizza stains would have been the least of your problems???? You probably have other laundry issues, as well??

I originally accepted a specific challenge from Tonka, who appears to have lost interest? We move on. If anyone else has particular questions about Shadow Divers, or SDE, I am willing to do my best to answer them.

Take into consideration that I am on my way to the DR later today to certify on the Megalodon rebreather, so between diving and studying, I may not be able to jump on a reply right away.

Thanks for all the nice feedback.

Cheers

 

[Buoyant1]

No problem! Again, thanks for stopping in and contributing to this thread! Hope to see and hear more from some of you "extreme" guys!

Btw...I still want you guys to do a Dive Portal feature on the Normandy wrecks ...particularly the USS Tide...I'll willingly come along! (the sacrifices I make!)

 

[amascuba]

Take into consideration that I am on my way to the DR later today to certify on the Megalodon rebreather, so between diving and studying, I may not be able to jump on a reply right away.

Hi John,

I don't have a question about the Shadow Divers book, but rather your rebreather choice. I'm just curious as to why you're moving away from the Ouroboros to the Megalodon rebreather?

 

[fairybasslet]

Hey John. Nice to see you hear. If you have a chance, take a look at the photo in my profile. I'm sure you'll see a couple of familiar faces.

 

[ketchumid]

A big thank you to JC for jumping on the board. The book Shadow Divers was at first a scuba interest for me but after the read it turned out to be such a great true life story about 2 regular guys who stuck with something despite themselves and others. I was inspired and am happy for the success it has brought the subjects and the writer.

It was especially great to hear straight from John on some of his thoughts - wow nice surprise!

John is still making a positive difference in many ways with scuba and life- if you haven't checked out his site do so at

John Chatterton

Good luck with the SUDS program John, SUDS Diving Home Our hometown here in Idaho (Sun Valley) also has a history of helping vets in a similar way but with skiing, it's rewarding to be a part of such an endeavor.

 

[The Chairman]

Good luck with the SUDS program John, SUDS Diving Home Our hometown here in Idaho (Sun Valley) also has a history of helping vets in a similar way but with skiing, it's rewarding to be a part of such an endeavor.

Watch for SUDS and Mrs Chatterton making it over to :sblogo: in the not too distant future! We believe in helping servants.

 

[Missdirected]

Watch for SUDS and Mrs Chatterton making it over to :sblogo: in the not too distant future! We believe in helping servants.

:yelclap: Great, great stuff.


-MissD

 

[Chatterton]

With regards to Megalodon, I have an Ouroboros and an Evolution that I am selling to make room for the Meg. I still have a Mk15 (and a half, for parts??). I am getting a Meg to build a side mount rebreather with the can on one side and dil/bailout OC on the other. It is very streamlined. Billy Gambril built two units for himself and Evan Kovacs using PRISMs. I dove Billy's rig and now he is building one for me, but we are using a Meg. I think the Meg is a good solid unit and it will evolve into a side mount well. The Meg is functional, durable, and they apparently have great customer service. Meg divers are very loyal and I assume it is for good reason???

Cheers

JC

 

[nagel]

Hi John,

Wow...I'm somewhat starstruck here, but since you have been so gracious to take time out to answer a couple questions, I thought I would pose them. Forgive me because it has been a few years since I read Shadow Divers...but I have a couple questions.

1) One of the last scenes in the book outlines the point in which the evidence is finally discovered that would identify the u-boat. This scene had a lot of suspense leading the reader to believe this was an all or nothing decision - one final attempt to gain the evidence. If it didn't happen at this point, it wouldn't happen and possibly you would die. Obviously, diving at this depth was suspense enough, but really was like this or did the writer take a few liberties here?

2) There was mention in the book that I took somewhat embarrassed the U.S. Navy. Basically, the jest is that at the end of the war the navy basically broadbrushed the research and didn't do their homework when it came to the final documentation of sunken ships. In other words, their documents were wrong because they didn't do a good job of documenting what ships had been sunken. Has there ever been any backlash from the Navy or government regarding this toward you or any of your buddies?

Thanks so kindly in your thoughts.

Steve Nagel
Missouri

 

[The Chairman]

It would be best to remind everyone that at this point, John may not have any internet access for the next few days. Even if he DOES, he is doing a lot with certifying on a particular rebreather in the Dominican Republic.

It's also good to point out that there are at least two other legends reading this thread with great interest. I know, because they have PMed me as such. Hopefully, they will see that unlike many other forums, we DO keep it civil here although we do allow an edge! Per a man they have commented on the lack of flaming and the productive nature of the discourse! Perhaps this will be the first in a line of peer conducted interviews with the legends of diving. I couldn't think of anything better to happen to us for Christmas!