Posted by Matthew Williamson on September 01, 19100 at 03:27:20:
It seems my previous post concerning the FITZGERALD'S bell, and Mr Farnquist's role in its retrieval, has offended a lot of people... I assure you, this was not my intent. I apologize.
However, during the course of my very earliest RESEARCH (yes, research... I AM legitimate and VERY serious about the subject), I began to realize that the story of the FITZ had its "good" guys. I also began to discover the "not-so-good" guys. Contrary to the opinion of those here who feel I have an "axe to grind," I do NOT yet know what role Mr Farnquist plays. Like most of you who follow the FITZ's story, I've heard good and bad things; like any good researcher, however, I must remain objective.
The truth is, the information I presented in my previous posting (the matter of Farnquist's handling of the bell) DID NOT COME FROM ME. It is a paragraph in a book written by noted deep-water expert DR JOE McINNIS, who participated in the expedition to recover the bell! His book, FITZGERALD'S STORM, provided that tidbit of info.
What I was fishing for was an alternate version of the story... a rebuttal, if you will. Fortunately, there were a couple of people among you that were able to respond in a mature and productive manner. To them, I extend a gesture of thanks.
Finally, this is a great website. Please remember, though, that it is a forum for HISTORIANS as well as divers... and "history" doesn't have to mean 100 years ago.
Respectfully,
Matthew Williamson