Dirk Pitt, a fictional character created by Clive Cussler, first appeared in which of Cussler's novels?

An action-adventure novel, "The Mediterranean Caper " (also published as "Mayday"), by Clive Cussler was published in the US in 1973. This is the 1st published book featuring the author’s primary protagonist, Dirk Pitt. The novel was nominated for an Edgar award by the Mystery Writers of America for "Best Paperback Original Novel of 1973".

In the book, the plot has Dirk Pitt up against an international drug smuggling ring and an evil man named Bruno Von Till. He is a German pilot who survived both World Wars to become one of the most ruthless smugglers in history. The novel is set in the Aegean Sea, where Dirk Pitt has been sent with Al Giordino to assist Rudi Gunn, with an expedition being conducted by NUMA, a fictional government organization that is devoted to oceanic exploration and investigation.