The Deep

AUTHOR’S NOTE

This is a work of fiction. But while it is true that none of the characters bears any intentional resemblance to anyone living or dead, many of the facts about Bermuda, about shipwrecks, and about the Spanish trade with the New World were gleaned from historical sources.

It would be impractical to list all the reference works consulted, but a few were of particular help: Pieces of Eight,

by Kip Wagner, as told to L. B. Taylor, Jr.;

The Treasure Diver’s Guide,

by John S. Potter, Jr.;

Marine Salvage,

by Joseph N. Gores;

Diving for Sunken Treasure,

by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Philippe Diole;

Treasures of the Armada,

by Robert Stenuit;

Port Royal Rediscovered,

by Robert F. Marx; and

Diving to a Flash of Gold,

by Martin Meylach, in collaboration with Charles Whited.

Finally, I am deeply indebted to a friend, mentor, and walking encyclopedia—Teddy Tucker.

P.B.