Survival capsules offer tsunami protection - KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2

Seattle, Wash. (KGW) — They look a bit like something you’d see in space, but they could save your life in the event of a tsunami. At least, that’s according to Seattle aerospace engineer Julian Sharpe.

“I had the idea while weekending in Cannon Beach and I thought… what if a tsunami comes now,” Sharpe said.

That idea turned into what is now called the Survival Capsule.

Here’s how it works: When an earthquake hits offshore, instead of running to higher ground to escape the tsunami, you would strap yourself inside the pod.

The capsule would be tethered to the ground, most likely on your property, so it would float on top of the water and rise and fall with the waves.