Out of the Depths

An Unforgettable WWII Story of Survival, Courage, and the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis

By: Edgar Harrell, David Harrell USMC

Narrated by: Eric Martin

Length: 4 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

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 US history.

©2014 Edgar Harrell and David Harrell (P)2016 Tantor

You won't want to hit pause!

What did you love best about Out of the Depths?

The story of courage and faith is truly inspirational. This first-hand account of the chilling story of the USS Indianapolis is a thriller that also points towards faith in God.

What did you like best about this story?

There were several moments I found myself holding my breath along with the author as he accounted the rising waves and the circling sharks. A great first-hand account.

What about Eric Martin’s performance did you like?

He read it convincingly

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Surviving the countless perils of the open water

Any additional comments?

I would have loved to have had different vocal inflections when Eric Martin got to the quotes in the book from other survivors.

A Marine’s Testament to the Glory of God

Aside from being quite an hIstorical account of the USS Indianapolis, its journey and demise during WW II, the story is told by a faithful and unashamed Christian who is also a United States Marine. A study of God’s work in tragedy and triumph. Thank you to the authors for a well-written testimony, superbly read by the narrator.

Not a bad account

Would you listen to Out of the Depths again? Why?

Probably not. The story is a little choppy. Too many religious tangents. Yes, I am a very religious person, but this book is pretty stilted in trying to mix the story with religion. Unbroken achieves this well, this book did not.

What did you like best about this story?

Human courage on display.

What does Eric Martin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Good narration.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

fantastic book ! Must read and refer !!!

Highly inspiring must read and recommend to family and friends. This story must be kept living for history sake...

Fantastic

I had the owner and privilege of meeting this man during a banquet! The story he told, then, was so moving! I could not wait to read his book! Thank the Lord for saving such a wonderful man!

UNIMAGINABLE

What a book! What a story!!! Don’t miss this book. Unimaginable suffering and forgiveness, and grace.

Excellent work of USMC history.

A outstanding addition to any world war 2 library and an awesome look at the sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis.

One man's journey

One man's journey through one of the most incredible events in military history. A hero tells it all and how his faith made him survive.

Great account of a terrible tragedy

Narrated well, allowing the story to be told with great conviction, and glad to hear that Edgar Harrell called out the disservice the JAG officer dragged the Captain thru after being rescued. It was an atrocity what the Navy did very poorly on, yet escaped any and all accountability by trying to publicly shame and prosecute the Captain, while not being accountable. It is by the grace of God that the war was ended and this entire story evolved by the thread of a thread, and by the skin of their teeth to accomplish their mission and then survive inhumane conditions and horrors.

A book that is a great historical , personal and spiritual testimony.

Thank you for answering many questions, it is a great story of a terrible and horrible tragedy,hidden from view from many even today.

Thanks to the Harrel’s for their loyalty and faithfulness, to their country and to Our Lord and Savior.
There is no doubt you showed who deserved glory.
Mr Martin did a superb job of keeping me to the last word with his recitation.
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
These see the works of the Lord and his wonders in he deep….. and he bringeth them unto their desired haven.”
Psalms 107:23-30