Had a run of bad luck on a bridge inspection job last month

Worked a bridge inspection near Portland last month and the current was brutal. Lost two sets of brass gauges to the river, which set me back around $350 total. Then my comms unit died halfway through the first dive and I had to pull my own tend line to signal problems topside. The whole crew was pissed because it pushed the schedule back by a day and a half. Has anyone else had a run like this where everything just went wrong at once?

3 comments

3 Comments

blair_martin1mo ago

Man that sounds like a nightmare. Losing gear alone would have me questioning my life choices, but having to yank your own tend line is next level. I've had shifts where everything falls apart at the same time, but nothing that bad. Hope the crew didn't give you too much crap about the schedule, because it sounds like the river was just out to get you that day.

drew551mo ago

Yeah I've had that kind of run before, what you need is a dry bag for your spare comms unit and a good tether clip system for your tools so you don't lose another set. That current in the gorge is no joke and it'll strip gear right off your belt if you aren't careful.

josepha321mo ago

..and it's funny cause it's not just diving or bridge work, it's like the universe picks a day to test you. Had a similar thing happen last week just mowing the lawn. Mower blade hits a rock, kicks up and dings the patio glass, then the string trimmer runs out of line mid-edge, and I step in dog poop carrying the gas can. One of those days where your brain just goes "okay, I guess we're doing THIS today.