One example of the physical risk in the book occurs when Ellsberg himself descends to the wreck of the submarine in order to make crucial repairs to the lifting cables. In Chapter 19, Ellsberg writes:
"I moved in under the stern, where the rudder and after planes still remained attached, and found the shattered end of the after-body. The cable had to be slipped up over this jagged edge. I crawled down into the gap and got hold of the line. The current tugged at me savagely, and I felt the edge of the metal cut into my flesh."
This example shows how the recovery operation was filled with physical risks and dangers, including the risk of injury and even death. Ellsberg's own experience of being cut by the metal edge of the submarine while working in strong currents illustrates the level of risk that the divers and other personnel faced during the operation. The physical risks involved in the operation are a significant aspect of the book's narrative, and they add to the overall sense of danger and suspense.