NPR interviewed captian of QE2 Today...

[capcook]

He recounted an incident some time ago that leaves one with food for thought... I looked it up and the text of an article is below...I suppose if any of the vessels we could afford were around this wave it would have been the end... interesting end msg to the article about the potential for a 3k foot high rouge wave...Ha...what a way to go, surfing a 3,000 foot wave!

"The captain said, "At 0410 the rogue wave was sighted right ahead, looming out of the darkness from 220°, it looked as though the ship was heading straight for the white cliffs of Dover. The wave seemed to take ages to arrive but it was probably less than a minute before it broke with tremendous force over the bow. An incredible shudder went through the ship, followed a few minutes later by two smaller shudders. There seemed to be two waves in succession as the ship fell into the 'hole' behind the first one. The second wave of 28-29 m (period 13 seconds), whilst breaking, crashed over the foredeck, carrying away the forward whistle mast."



The presence of extreme waves was also recorded by Canadian weather buoys moored in the area, and the maximum measured height from buoy 44141 was 30 meters (98 feet.). This further verified the captain's report.



While this wave was huge, it was nothing compare to predicted waves of the future.



Scientists predict that if a future volcanic eruption sends a large part of the island of La Palma in the Canaries into the sea, it could cause a wall of water 2,950ft high."

[Vasco]

Keep your eye on the altitude on your GPS as you ride over it!!

[sneuman]

here's the audio, if anyone is interested:

QE2 Sets Sail On Farewell Voyage : NPR

[Tellie]

When I read 3k foot waves I said Naaaaa not likely. But this site is an interesting read. Maybe I'll stock up on some extra sex wax.

The La Palma Tsunami Hazard

[David M]

The danger really depends on if it is breaking or not, the length of the vessel with respect to the waves length as well as the ratio of the wave length to wave height. Some monstrous waves could pass right under you with no ill effects. A wave that could cover the foredeck of the Queen Elizabeth 2 might not affect a small boat at all. I'm just trying to say that there are more factors than wave height alone that determine danger.