Life and Death at Cape Disappointment: Becoming a Surfman on the Columbia River Bar

The ocean is a fascinating and dangerous place, and Life and Death at Cape Disappointment is a first-hand account of life as a surfman at one of the Coast Guards most dangerous stations. The book focuses on five significant search and rescue cases and how such work affected the authors and their colleagues mentally and physically.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The ocean stands as a remarkable and largely untouched realm on our planet, exhibiting an unpredictable and uncaring nature towards the lives that it claims. This captivates the human imagination, fueling a profound fascination with its tides, currents, and enigmatic aspects. In his captivating firsthand account, titled "Life and Death at Cape Disappointment," the author delves into the intricacies of life as a surfman at one of the Coast Guard's most perilous stations, known as Cape Disappointment. Situated on the Pacific Coast, this Coast Guard unit is renowned for its vast area of responsibility, often referred to as the "Graveyard of the Pacific." The book primarily revolves around five of the most significant search and rescue cases encountered during the author's tour, shedding light on the profound impact these missions had on him and his colleagues both mentally and physically. It serves as an enthralling form of armchair entertainment for those deeply captivated by the vastness and mystique of the ocean.

During the author's tenure at Station Cape Disappointment, he amassed an impressive 2,200 hours of underway time, routinely venturing into the treacherous Columbia River bar, where he established himself as one of the most skilled boat handlers within the Coast Guard. His expertise and leadership were evident in his role as both a worker and supervisor, overseeing a staggering 430 search and rescue cases. Among these remarkable rescues, one stands out as particularly noteworthy, earning him the prestigious Association for Rescue at Seas gold lifesaving medal.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493071968