Updated August 5, 2024 at 12:20 a.m.
The master illusionist, Harry Houdini, spent 91 minutes underwater on this day in 1929 during a performance at the Shelton Pool in New York City. This feat would be Houdini’s last great escape: The famed magician died two months later from peritonitis due to a rupture in his appendix.
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How did Harry Houdini manage to stay underwater for so long?
Houdini employed a method called "buried alive" or "the water torture cell." He was secured in a specially designed water-filled tank and restrained with handcuffs and leg irons. He would then use his skills in escapology to free himself and resurface after an extended period underwater.
What were the risks and challenges Houdini faced during these underwater performances?
Performing these underwater feats posed significant risks to the artist. The prolonged immersion could result in physical strain, hypothermia, and oxygen deprivation. Escaping from restraints while submerged added an additional layer of difficulty and danger.
How did Houdini prepare for his underwater stunts?
Houdini meticulously trained his body to increase his lung capacity and endurance. He practiced holding his breath and developed specialized techniques to pick locks and free himself from restraints in a record time.