This small U.S. Coast Guard Motor Life Boat is just about to encounter a freakish 25-foot wave.

The incident happened December 4th as photographer Gary Robertshaw snapped pictures of what was supposed to be a routine training exercise in California’s Morro Bay Harbor. He continued snapping as the surprise wall of water smashed down and completely engulfed the craft.

Not to worry: Motor Life Boats are the Coast Guard’s “worst case” rescue vessels, designed to operate under extreme conditions. They’re built to roll, and Guard crews are trained to deal with the possibility of suddenly finding themselves beneath — rather than sailing — the seas.

Robertshaw captured ten amazing images in all. They’re posted at Mad Mariner. Go take a look at what happened next.

Link: Mad Mariner Magazine