Praise for Sailing into the Abyss
“An incredible, dramatic, and breathtaking true tale of the merciless sea…a remarkable page-turner. If it was fiction, no one would believe it. Highly recommended!”
--Homer Hickam, #1 New York Times bestselling author of October Sky
“Sailing Into the Abyss is a harrowing tale of life at sea that is as exciting as any fictional thriller.”
--Phillip Margolin, New York Times bestselling author of Lost Lake
“Thrilling . . . Benedetto proves a master storyteller as he weaves together the day-to-day events on the ship and historical anecdotes about the American merchant marine, and builds suspense. A high-quality disaster narrative, an anecdotal account of a service that seldom makes news in the general media, and the story of a seldom-mentioned but important aspect of Vietnam war logistics--this is some book.”
--Booklist
“A thoroughly gripping story of disaster at sea reveals aspects of modern seafaring not always brought to light. Compelling narrative . . . readable and informative . . . page-turning. Students of seafaring will be drawn to it in solid numbers.”
--Publishers Weekly
“A memorable, exceptionally valuable and interesting book. We’ll place Sailing Into the Abyss on our U.S. Merchant Marine Academy reading list.”
Joseph Stewart, Vice Admiral, USMS, and Superintendent, U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY
"Amongst the elite sagas of man against the sea…a spell-binding tale of a doomed ship…masterfully written."
--Howard B. Thorsen, Vice Admiral, USCG , Retired
“Superb …This book sent chills down my spine, brought tears to my eyes, made my heart surge. The reader comes to know these men as shipmates. Grab your life jacket and come aboard. Oh, boy! What a read!”
--Bruce L. Felknor, WWII veteran of the Merchant Marine, editor of The U.S. Merchant Marine at War, 1775 – 1945, and former executive editor of the Encyclopedia Britannica
“Riveting . . .One of the great adventure stories of our time. The crew's courage, endurance, and sacrifice in the face of these dangers is inspiring.”
--Bevin Alexander, military historian and author of Korea: The First War We Lost and How Wars Are Won
“An exceptionally well written book. I couldn’t put it down!”
--Leonard Tyler, President, Maine Maritime Academy
“Sailing into the Abyss brought back vivid memories. In my mind’s eye, I shared the seas, the weather, the storms – all forecasting a tragic end. I highly recommend Sailing into the Abyss for all who love going to sea.”
--Pierce J. Johnson, RADM, USNR (Ret)
President & CEO, U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation
“A compelling true story of extreme heroism and devotion to duty. It is a book I highly recommend.”
--Henry Cap, National President, American Merchant Marine Veterans
“A great story. . .William Benedetto’s writing style delivers it straight without the excessive verbiage that constipates most seafaring tales!”
--Captain John F. Mundy, USCG, Retired
“I will highly recommend that the cadets and crew on the United States Training Ship Texas Clipper II read the book to learn about leadership, camaraderie and courage. Excellent book!”
--Captain Sam Stephenson, J.D., Master, USTS Texas
“History, high-seas adventure, and tragedy come together to put this book on the top of your ‘must read’ list.”
--Allen Thronson, Past President of the U. S. Merchant Marine Veterans of WW II
“Captivates the reader from the outset. In bringing to light this tale of men against the sea, battling overwhelming odds to carry out their mission, the author has honored them and the sailors of our merchant ships.”
--Edward Nelson, Jr., Rear Admiral, USCG, Retired
Member of the National Board of Directors, Military Officers Association of America
"Compelling in subject, skilled in telling; you will want to read it in one sitting!"
--Dr. William B. Eisenhardt, RADM, USMS
President, The California Maritime Academy
Vallejo, California
“This step-by-step account is riveting. It is as exciting as a thriller and as chilling as a fine horror story. Benedetto describes heroism as easily as he describes the action. This is a book that will stick with readers for many years.”
--Statesman Journal (Salem, Oregon)