Travels in India (Tavernier) 100.5

100.5

A cord is tied under the arms of those who dive. which those who remain in the boats hold by the end. Attached to the diver’s great toe is a stone of 18 to 20 pounds weight, which those who remain in the boat also hold by a rope. They have also a net made like a sack, the mouth of which is surrounded by a hoop to keep it open, and this net is attached like the rest. Then the diver plunges into the sea, and as soon as he reaches the bottom, which he does quickly, on account of the weight of the stone attached to his great toe, he removes the stone, and those who are in the barque draw it up. For as long as the diver is able to hold his breath he puts oysters into the net, and as soon as he feels that he is unable to hold out longer, he pulls the cord which is tied under his arms; this is the signal for him to be drawn up, which those who are in the boat do as quickly as they can. The people of Manar are better fishers, and remain for a longer time under the water than those of Bahren and El’ Katif, for they do not place any clips on their noses nor cotton in their ears to keep the water from entering, as is done in the Persian Gulf.