Saturday, March 6, 2010

Freak waves hit the Louis Majesty cruise ship

Passengers on a cruise in the western Mediterranean were giving a smack down via a killer wave on March 4th, 2010.  These waves were as high as 33 feet and were strong enough to break glass windows, kill two passengers and to injury 14 others!  (a 69 year old German man and 52 year old Italian man were the unfortunate victims)  The waves smashed windows in public areas.

(The black dot marks the location)

These rouge waves can be very spontaneous and are somewhat a mystery to scientist.  They can be caused by opposing currents coming together, strong winds and even the ocean interacting with coastal coasts shapes.   In 2007 a 69 footer hit the cruise ship MS Prinsendam as it rounded the tip of South America injuring 40 but killing none.

(The Louis Majesty in better days)

So the question begs to be asked, would you be concerned when booking a cruise for the fear of a monster wave hitting YOUR ship?

BONUS:  A Youtube clip of the actual incident!


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