The Iron Quest

Photographer

João Coelho

Category

Editorial Photography - Documentary

Company

Submission Group

Amateur

Year

2024

Country / Region:

Portugal

This project tells the story of a group of young people working in a ship graveyard in Angola. They have to dive hundreds of times when the tide is low. They grope the bottom with their hands as the dark waters with sediments and oil don't allow them to see anything underwater. After removing pieces weighing hundreds of pounds using only their hands and the strength of their arms, they have to carry them to the beach, struggling with the waves and the currents of the sea. From an early age, they learned to deal with and respect the sea. It's the sea that dictates when and how they can work to earn a measly 120 dollars for each ton of iron. They and their families depend on it to survive, one day at a time.