Tugging On A Heartstring

"Tugging On A Heartstring", followed by its popular sequel, is a true sea story in the United States Merchant Marine. Emily Lambert started crewing at age 13. She held the wheel six hours-on and six hours-off with half hour engine checks on the devoted diesel, checking piston oil pressure, reduction gear oil pressure, raw water input and output, bleeding the air compressor tank of moisture, and measuring the depth of the bilge with a broken broom stick handle. In a storm off Norfolk at age 18, Emily almost died from internal bleeding from deck machinery injuries in a 60 rotations per second spinning winch wheel. At age 19, Emily passed her USCG Able Bodied seaman exam. From dangerous sea action to delightful comedy, this is an unforgettable voyage of strength and courage for all ages.