‘Rogue’ wave can swamp engine, ship
Regarding “ ‘Rogue’ Waves Surprisingly Common” [Cruise News, May 22]: For a cruise industry official to say a ship cannot be sunk by a rogue wave is wrong and irresponsible.
A BBC documentary a few years ago, titled “Freak Wave,” showed vivid images of large freighters with holes punched through them that you could drive a bus through. The problem is not necessarily the impact of the wave itself. It is with the flood of water that can penetrate a ship, burning out the electronics and even causing engine failure. If the engine is not restored very quickly, the ship is indeed subject to sinking due to ordinary waves hitting it broadside over and over.
Jorge F. Willemsen,
Professor, University of Miami,
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
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