Rogue waves' reported by mariners get scientific backing

[2Design]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1540&e=3&u=/afp/science_sea

European satellites have given confirmation to terrified mariners who describe seeing freak waves as tall as 10-storey buildings, the European Space Agency (ESA) said.

[wishlist]

1. Thanks- very interesting confirmation of what I have heard from boaters

and confirms my longstanding awe and fear of the power of the ocean. It is great that they are beginning to track these waves so warnings can be issued.

[Az_lefty]

2. I've heard these stories told for years by seasoned sailer's

pretty scary stuff. :scared:

[Nihil]

3. Saw programme on this a short while back (in the UK)

Excellent documentary on the "mega-wave" phenomenon.

They interviewed the captain of the QE2 (amongst others) and examined
the effect of such waves on ships that had sunk without trace in the
recent past (including the freight transporter whose name escapes me
at the moment ... "Birmingham"?)

Some of the damage that the surviving ships showed was amazing.
One Navy ship had a huge chunk of (armoured) steel ripped like so
much tin-foil!

If I recall the title, I'll post it - definitely worth watching again!

Nihil