Book Review: Out of the Depths by Edgar Harrell

*I received this book via Bethany House for purposes of review, however all opinions are my own.

Out of The Depths

by Edgar Harrell

About this Book:

"July 30, 1945--The USS Indianapolis and its 1,196-man crew is making its way toward a small island in the South Pacific. The ship is sailing unescorted, assured by headquarters the waters are safe. It is midnight, and Marine Edgar Harrell and several others have sacked out on deck rather than spend the night in their hot and muggy quarters below. Fresh off a top-secret mission to deliver uranium for the atomic bombs that would ultimately end World War II, they are unaware their ship is being watched. Minutes later, six torpedoes are slicing toward the Indy . . . 

For five horrifying days and nights after their ship went down, Harrell and his shipmates had to fend for themselves in the open seas. Plagued by dehydration, exposure, saltwater poisoning, and shark attacks, their numbers were cruelly depleted before they were miraculously rescued. This is one man's story of courage, ingenuity, and faith in God's providence in the midst of the worst naval disaster in U.S. history."

My Review:

This is an amazing story of survival, courage and unending faith in God.  Edgar Harrell is one of only 317 survivors of the USS Indianapolis that sunk after torpedoes from an enemy Japanese submarine hit their ship.  This is first hand account of the horrors he and his fellow survivors faced.  From the ever present danger of sharks and oil slicks from the ship to the torture of severe hydration, hypothermia and delusions from salt water poisoning.  It isn't a pleasant story but one of extreme courage.  It is Edgar Harrell's own true story of survival although it does include statements from other survivors throughout the book, which I really liked.  This is an amazing story that will get and keep your attention from the very beginning and all the way through to their rescue.