How 60 Minutes reported from the 'Graveyard of the Pacific'

The U.S. Coast Guard's Elite Surfmen: Training in the "Graveyard of the Pacific"

This week on 60 Minutes, correspondent Bill Whitaker brought viewers inside the dangerous world of the U.S. Coast Guard’s surfmen, a highly trained unit specializing in rescue operations in one of the most perilous waters on the planet. The region, aptly named the "Graveyard of the Pacific", lies where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, near the coasts of Washington and Oregon. Over centuries, this treacherous area has claimed thousands of ships, with unpredictable waves and fierce winds.

Braving the "Graveyard"

The surfmen undergo rigorous training in waters where waves reach up to 20 feet and winds can howl at 50 knots. Certified surfmen must be prepared to undertake daring rescues in these harsh conditions, making them some of the toughest and most skilled rescuers in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Whitaker and the 60 Minutes team witnessed this firsthand by boarding a 47-foot lifeboat with Chief Instructor Eric Ceallaigh. Before stepping aboard, Whitaker tested a dry suit by submerging himself in the icy waters of the Columbia River for 15 minutes, experiencing the cold intensity the surfmen regularly face. With hands freezing, but body warm, Whitaker realized just how critical the right equipment is to survival in these deadly conditions.

Facing the Waves: The Lifeboat's Power

Out in the chaotic waters, Ceallaigh guided the lifeboat with precision through towering waves, employing a technique called “squaring up”, where the boat is pointed directly at the crest of a massive wave and then accelerated over the top. Whitaker likened the experience to "the most incredible rollercoaster you could ever imagine," as the boat rose high into the sky before crashing down into the next wave.

Even more astonishing is how the lifeboat is designed to handle "rollovers", when a massive wave flips the boat upside down. Thanks to its buoyancy chambers, the boat rights itself within seconds, allowing the crew to keep fighting the elements. Whitaker and his crew, clipped into two secure points on the boat, were ready to hold their breath in case of such an event. Fortunately, they didn't have to put their training to the test.

The Thrill of the Surfmen

Despite the life-threatening nature of the job, Ceallaigh expressed his love for being out in the wild surf. For him, it’s an adrenaline-fueled escape where all problems melt away as he navigates through waves that would terrify most. This passion is what drives these brave men and women, ensuring they are always ready for the next rescue mission in the unforgiving waters of the Graveyard of the Pacific.

This fascinating glimpse into the U.S. Coast Guard's elite rescue training offers a new level of appreciation for the courage and skill required to operate in one of the most dangerous maritime environments in the world.