Sea Gypsies : The Plutonium Dome (Runit Dome Marshall Islands) 

I am one of the men who built this dome. It was my work that was used by others to decide what we incased in the dome or what we would just dump into the lagoon. The Atomic Cleanup was NOT a military operation, it was a humanitarian operation. I worked for the Department of Energy, the reason the cleanup failed and can't be redone is because like ALL atomic cleanups it was an impossible task. Most of the men who worked side by side with me have died of radiological illness. Please take a moment to think about the sacrifice of health and life of those of us that have paid such a high price.

Most of the radioactive residue from the tests are elements with relatively short half lifes (on the order of 30 years for CS137) so 3/4 of them have already decayed. The long term issue is the plutonium from the warheads that fizzled (i.e. did not have a nuclear yield). On Runit island there was such a test that scattered weapons grade plutonium over that island. Much of it was simply bulldozed into the lagoon so that other tests could proceed. The cleanup that produced the dome took place 2 decades after the tests. It did not address all the plutonium fragments that had been bulldozed into the lagoon. So while it is true that there are radioactive elements leaking from the dome, there also is a significant inventory of radioactive substances in the lagoon sediments. Plutonium 239 has a half life of ~24000 years.

18:57 When "I have no idea..." is the most expressive statement imaginable. What a forgotten war crimes without a war.

Thank you for keeping this story in the eyes and hearts of the public. As a veteran of the U. S. Army cleanup project that constructed the Runit dome, please remember the soldiers who worked in the tropical heat for days on end with less protective gear than your crew. (Full disclosure: I was support personnel and did not operate on Runit.) At the time, the determination was made that the background level of radiation and plutonium in the immediate environment exceeded that of the debris that was entombed under the dome, and so leakage would not make a difference. This is an excellent video.

I arrived on the atoll in October of 1977. My job was to collect the metal debris and remove them from the reefs. It was backbreaking grueling work day after day. I truly believe we were doing something good for the atoll, the people who lived there and the earth. It was a fools errand. We did nothing but as they say kick the can down the road. We put the worse of the worst under that dome. Turns out our efforts, my efforts personally were all in vain. Many of my ship mates are now dead or suffering cancers. It was like some cruel game of death and rolling of the dice. Our officers lied to us, our doctors lied to US and my shipmates, they died. Only in the last few years have we learned what was hidden from us. The truth was far more horrendous than were ever told. Not only were exposed to radiation there was active elements all highly toxic from failed rocket testing. Also the biological testing of highly toxic nerve agents. It was true Pandora's box of death. None of these revelations came easy. The goverment was forced to reveal what they had exposed us to. The two men are wearing paper suits and dust masks. We were never given anything to protect us. Not even sun screen. What these two dont realize is that the radiation is not the only monster waiting for them.

My wife & I watched "Plutonium Dome" last night on RU-vid. We were both appalled to learn about this disaster created by our government. It is superbly commendable for your crew to have taken such a risk to bring attention to this. The movie was so well done - I can't find words to express. Hollywood or even National Geographic could not have produced a more authentic film. Hats off to every one of the crew. Clem, the captain and his wife came through so authentic and heartfelt - we were both moved to tears. Today we found this article from LA times which I'm sure you are aware of. Such a tragedy then and now even worse that the dome is deteriorating. So sorry for the people. Your crew is so brave and committed - setting an example for the rest of us. Love the children singing at the end. We love what you do. We will be forever grateful that you brought this to our attention. I hope the whole world could experience the truth and bravery your crew has shown. Please keep us on your mailing list. With our utmost sincerity Mario & Nancy

Thank you for doing this video. I was there as a young army soldier in 1979 working at the dome. I was told that I would not be in danger of getting radiation poisoning. God Bless all the men who served on this horrible government program. May our story never be forgotten

I was stationed in the Enewetak clean up in 2978 through 79 total of 5 mounth. We had no radiation badges issued when I was there I worked long days on the Runit Dome under extreme heat and no protection. I have cyst all over my scalp and in most my organs. Thr first cyst I got was when was there on the backof my neck Since th we n I had back surgery when I was 32 and went on disability when I was 52 with degenerative disk disease. I have z super huge family with 18 uncle's 6 aunt's and probably over 100 cousins. I'm thr only one in out faith these conditions the only one that served in the entertainment nuclear clean up.

This is by far the best documentary on the Runit Dome. Great job!

I have no words… other than well done Infinity crew…

How naïve. The suit they had on will do absolutely NOTHING to protect them. Totally irresponsible for them to walk around on that dome and to touch it even. They will regret that and learn just how stupid that was. I feel for the children having such a irresponsible dad.

Nico, it's great to see more of your work. You don't release nearly enough. Don't EVER surrender creative control of your work to "commercial" interests. Don't you think it's time we crowd-source some new/better sails for Infinity?

Practically speaking the greatest risk of visiting Runit island would be to dig deeply into dry sand while you are downwind of the activity. That would give you the highest chance of inhaling small particles that contained plutonium. Apparently some folks went digging around Runit island searching for scrap metal to sell. Of all the people in that area, they are the most likely to suffer health effects from the residual radioactive contamination. The US personnel that participated in the late seventies cleanup were not properly equipped to deal with the radioactive dusts that they were exposed to.

I'm 64 and was a little kiddette growing up through the 60s during the Cold War complete with memories of weekly elementary school duck/cover exercises and air raid siren testings most people have forgotten about, even those my age and older. I was talking to my aunt recently and reminded her of those years she was dumbfounded she had totally forgotten it all - that is until I reminded her. Those old air raid sirens were loud too and they whaled long. Yep. People don't remember those big yellow cylindrical can looking things with vent slits around the top how they sat strategically placed around the cities atop telephone wire poles. Well, at least here in San Diego they were. I'm sure they were in all the major cities all over the country back then and small towns too I'm sure. They had to be tested weekly. The country had to always remain on guard and alert back then. Kids today have asked me if I was scared or it was a scary time? I don't remember it being scary really. It was just something you grew up with as a kid and accepted. Looking back, I'm sure there was a healthy concern amongst us kids but not scared. I remember our basic reassurance by our folks and I guess teachers was that if it happened, a big nuclear strike that is, it would be over so quick we wouldn't feel it. Well anywayy I just got done watching your Sea Gypsies movie on Prime Video, that's what got me here. It was such a good movie! I really enjoyed it and I really admire and commend you guys for doing what you're doing living life to the fullest and having a blast doing so. Wish I could be part of it all - looking for an old sailor from Point Loma? 😊 However to go from watching Sea Gypsies movie to watching this bit of Cold War memory on just how destructive and flatout ignorant (stupid!) mankind can be is sort of a stretch in comfort zones, but necessary for people to see so it can't and WON'T EVER happen again. It simply horrifies me the amount of sea life, no, the amount of any life and all life that was dispatched negligently during all that testing down there. What were we thinking!? We weren't. Arrrrgh! 😔 Besides, I don't think our alien visitors (some say creators) from the outer limits adove and afar will permit it to. 🤔

That's horrible and unbelievable at the same time. I am flattered to have been on board of Infinity and have known such a great group of people fighting for the planet. Miss you guys. Fair winds. 🙏🌊⛵

I worked on Runit as a PFC in the Army. We lived on Lowja and were boated back and forth each day. We wore only shorts, jungle boots, paper mask, taped yellow rubber boots, film badge and tld to measure our exposure. If we read high after coming off the hot line where the crater is. They would have you swim in t he ocean to rinse. Many of us have died from cancers and other conditions. I just had a brain tumor removed this past February. Many of us teenagers at the time

It's a myth that a Geiger counter cannot detect plutonium, its perpetuated because many detectors have casings that block all alpha and some beta, because a thin piece of paper could block low power alpha. The model you have says "Detects Alpha particles above 3 MeV in energy". Going back a step Plutonium(238,239,240,242) primarily decays into Alpha(241 decays into Beta), both all also decay into Gamma. The Geiger counter you bought according to the specs "Detects Alpha particles above 3 MeV in energy", as well as gamma, and beta so it should detect the radiation. Here is a dude explaining it better than me ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wY5pPkoCgiM.html.

This was definitely the most important documentary I have ever seen. I'm so very SAD 😥 😞 FOR ALL OF US AND OUR FUTURE.

You guys are incredible. The quality of your work and how much it comes out with honesty is second to none. I believe this is only the beginning of your journey. I wish you the best and hope and dreams that one day our paths will cross. Another avid sailer/nature lover.

Absolutely shocked by the site and the proximity to the water. What a catastrophe in the making. This all is coming in quite hard, I thought it was just one of the sailing channels I am subscribed to :-)

Missed you guys! More spectacular work, Keep it coming!

I really enjoyed that Enewetak song at the end. Beautiful.

Yo this is crazy, I’ve tried to follow and keep up with this issue to see whether or not anything gets done and this is the first new video in a good amount of time, my faith in humanity or what was left of it dwindles when I see shit like this. Good work though guys I can’t believe this hasn’t been more widely viewed… really appreciate that there are people out there who are willing to do the work to get the word out and I couldn’t be more happy to see a well produced educational video on this issue. Thanks guys

Great Documentary! I had no clue about any of this. We were absolutely shocked. Found you on Prime and had to look you up.

thank you for the new download I e been waiting patiently, love your work.

It’s good to see you guys doing the thing again. We love your story telling, and commitment to showcasing environmental issues. Much Love Captain Nate

This video is underrated. Probally swept under the rug by youtube

Island life is special. So sad😢 you did such a wonderful job on documentary. Thank you for bringing it to us.

US Government should take responsibilities for these tests that they'd done in the past. Imagine if these tests were happened near Washington DC or New York.

The Geiger counter absolutely can detect gamma rays given off by plutonium. However, most of the radiation given off from plutonium is in the form of Alpha and Neutron radiation. Alpha is short ranged and cannot penetrate the metal container of the detector, where neutrons are not able to be detected by a geiger counter since they don't react with the gas inside the detector. The amount of gamma radiation given off by Plutonium is more than enough to detect if it is present. That being said, if there is enough plutonium to be detected, it would be 1000 times more than needed to poison you to death, since plutonium is even more dangerous as a poison than as a source of radiation. Oh by the way it also bursts into flame the instant it is in contact with air, so you have that going for you too.

good work, was expecting this as a paid view, but hopefully it gets lots more views here

I was there June to December ACU1 Detachment 18yo in 1978 = cancer due to ionized radiation exposure

It’s been 1 year since your visit to the Dome. How is your health?

Great documentary Sea Gypsies--very brave you are--had no idea about any of this D: thanks for spreading the word xo

Thank you for your efforts to expose what the United States Of America had done to the environment and the poor people on the surrounding Islands. I as an a American am completely embarrassed over this. The fact that the US. Has done nothing to midi gate this problem is incredible. I appreciate your hard work to air this video and to get on the record this incredible environmental disaster. The United States should be completely embarrassed over this as well as any other governments who tolerate this sort of behavior. If we the inhabitants of earth don’t start caring for our plant we are doomed ! The question is how do we bring countries together to fix these problems and to acknowledge that we are destroying the planet if we continue down this path.

I was also there for the clean-up and was involved in filling the dome and dumping debris into the lagoon. I’m torn between proud and embarrassed.

Well done noble crew of Infinity, well done~ sending love and best of wishes from a small group of environmentalist living small to help big change in the states… Forever embracing your mission from my crew to yours. Over and out, the captain of Ghost Fox.

Very good documentary, hopefully many people will see this and it will hopefully make an impact to improve the life on this beautiful part of the world. Looking forward to more exciting missions like this on the ongoing expedition.

New video 😀 missed you guys

What an amazing video. Thanks!!

Such a wonderful place with stunning crystal-clear water, plant & sea life. A paradise on earth turned hell due to us humans. How could they destroy something like this. It feels wrong on so many levels. We truly are a cancer for this planet and deserve all the illnesses and pain karma is paying us back with for our foolishness. What goes around comes around.

How many people you think “Did it” on top of that dome? Talk about a tourism boost, add some neon lights….

Can you imagine what all those explosions did to the wildlife in the Ocean and on land 😔

What I really hope is that people stop demonizing things they know nothing past seeing an opportunity to use fear to further their own agendas.... sad.

Wow this is crazy, thank you publishing the story and showing everything that not many see.👏👏👏

Glad to see Infinity still doing good work. Only down side is now some asshole with a boat is going to go after those challenges couns

So this is were supposedly Godzilla was born.

incredible video

Thanks!

Sure looks different now than when I was there. February 79 thru July 4th 79.

Real documentary makers.

You're Freakin crazy man!

Ok one misunderstanding in this film about the dome is its connection to castle bravo, which it wasn’t directly. The dome is on runit island (completely different atoll to the south) and was built because a bomb fizzled (didn’t sustain chain rection) and spread chunks of plutonium everywhere. Which is actually worse for the environment than the bombs sustained reaction, if talking long term radiation release.

Did you muppets really have to spray paint it?

Do these, we'll watch everyone of them

nice work

I am so sorry to the ones who built this dome. Our government used you to do their "dirty work" and tossed you aside and left you to battle your storm and the after affects. I am truly sorry for those that are lost to their home and the islands destroyed by our government. I am truly sorry for those who are affected by our actions from our government and continue to be affected with no real answers. This is not OK, this is disgusting and unjustifiable!!!! War and being on top is the disgusting goal of our governments around this world. I hope all those who took part in this and any other government experiment with bombs and for those who kept their mouths shut and didn't take a stand for humankind and for the earth, that we are supposed to protect against all elements, all of you can rot in hell. All of you who are "government" officials relating to these areas, should be ashamed and disgusted with yourself. For the Sea Gypsies, I pray you are all ok after that visit, God Bless you and God speed on your adventures. Thank you for bringing more of the story to light and for writing on the dome the actual ones to be accountable for destroying the islands, the sea and the homes and lives of many.

Shocking and not discussed enough. They don't teach this in history class. Not to the extent that it should be taught at least. Great documentary please make more!!

were you able to see any signs of the eruption last week or were you too far away?

Почти до слёз…

You made a fantastic documentary of this horrendous event. I am a citizen of an evil country America. It is truly tragic what has happened to these innocent people of the Marshal Islands.

Amazing doc no doubt about it. Very great work on this one. I will say though………I would’ve thought they’d be a little less reckless in how they geared up.

Hanford? Interesting that this vid is viewed by devices that require so much more electricity than was needed per capita when these bomb tests were performed. And, electricity demand just keeps going up (internet of things = everything). The most damaging decision in the history of mankind was the idea of making nuke plants breeder reactors. There were safer alternatives than breeding atomic weapons. Now, the US is shooting depleted uranium rounds thought to sicken humans. Lessons from Chernobyl show it's pretty much only humans that sicken/die from nuclear radiation. Our thyroid system is the reason.

How old was there Geiger meter ? most usually last 5-8yr .. that looks really old .lol

“You can also commit injustice by doing nothing” Marcus Aurelius If we refuse to demand a solution, we are all contributing to the ongoing and worsening problem here….. If the least that people can do is share this story, I will. If you can suggest other things that can also be done, please do. Fair winds ⛵️

USA government " Pick Up Your Shit" perfectly said.👊👍🙌

As a Marshallese living here in the States, My heart goes out to this expedition, adventure, and to this family for planting a seed. We all have to wake up fight for what's right for our Environment, and Government control. I'm 47 lived in the Marshalls Islands in my younger years, been here since the age of 19. Now I'm sad and very angry 😠 I could barely comun to people with their eyes sown shut. Am I wrong for being angry? God is good I pray 🙏 God is good.

Love you

Only extintion of human kind will save the planet. Soon it will be. .... Incredible video. Many thanks for your courage and amazing work. Sad!

I am researching where to find the copyright owner if this footage so as to be able to gain permission to use it in a documentary film as well as obtain as high a resolution video copy of the film footage as is possible.

Thank you guys. If you hadn't gone there we all never see what has been lying there waiting to get notice from the international community

I'd not take my children anywhere near that place.

My daughter just stood on it May 2023 Sad what the USA did. She met one of the last of the three remaining survivors from that bomb. We have pictures of the lady she was so sweet. She was nine when the bomb was dropped.

America's biggest 'oh shit' moment ever.

I AM SO MUCH INTERESTED IN VISITING THIS PLACE!!!

Women talking about being "overruled" in her decision to not take the kids to Runit island? wtf? Lady, they're your kids, no one overrules your decision when it comes to keeping them out of harms way. I guess they can thank you for the cancer they develop years down the road.

What are you guys up to these days? I hope you get more fundings and support

Parabéns!!!! Documentário incrível!!! 👋👋👋👋👋

I do love the quality and production quality of this film and what it stands for and i do not condone the way the natives were treated it makes me sick to my stomach but these kind of atrocities werent just limited to our government

✍️ O-B-E-D

Wtf is that lagoon next to the dome & y is it exactly the same size ..

DEAR US: CLEAN UP YOUR SHIT!!!!!!!

we're wearing paper suits in salt water breeze, effective

Wondering what happened to this family. Risking everything and standing for what they believe it.

Andy es terrible el Atolón Bikini. Es imperdonable como siempre

Your in a sailboat claiming to be sailors but you reference the Marshalls being in the SOUTH PACIFIC???

I wish more people cared as much as you... Its a daily struggle for me to see that the likely hood of us turning anything around is almost none. I think what your doing is the solution though because we cant just do nothing. Each person doing their part to Educate and elivate the collective consciousness of mankind is the only path.

Thank you for sharing ur video

Paradise destroyed, unreal

it's crazy. Yall move from where yall live to mess up where other people living. Wow

There is no possible way to even make a noteworthy comment. After viewing this I get so DAM ANGRY. Who is the biggest contaminator THE US MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX. They have ruined our world for greed and money!

America needs to step up grow up and take responsibility and clean up the mess they made n they know who they are (government🤥🤔) The family friends crew even the islanders so sad but I hope they all made it safe. I feel you guy and see your passion to maks this earth better place for our children n their children n so on. Pray one day we get it right and make it right. 🙏

This is the cactus dome .

anyone else here because they were looking for islands on google maps and found a dome?

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-871ol197GBg.html Extremely informative and detailed overview of the testing area.

my deepest respect and thanx for the video. i will send it to friends to get it more views. heartbreaking song in the end. how can powerful humans declare war on life, declare war on a totally innocent community and do what the usa did there? so many gumans are without empathy, so few care ... humanity wages war against life itself. ...

Just imagine the other places where they just destroyed. We need solutions in 2024 no more wars or bombs ❤ Our mother is being abused daily. Its only time before she throws us all away. When there many bad apples that cover the good ones. You throw away the whole things. 😮 this is what people should be worried about. These insane war criminals blowing holes in our earth setting it in fire.

i found it at google earth and wondered what this thing us.

Last video ever made by the crew. RIP

You run around with that many bananas on a boat of course you gonna run into the most dangerous places on earth.