90ft WAVE: QE2's Survival Plus More Incredible Rogue Wave Cruise Ship Tale

Editorial Summary

Maritime history author Chris Frame examines the phenomenon of rogue waves and their impact on various ocean liners and cruise ships throughout history. The video begins with the 1995 encounter involving the QE2, where a wave estimated at 90 feet struck the vessel, causing damage to the forward whistle mast but leaving most passengers unaware of the danger. Frame defines a rogue wave as one that is at least twice the height of the surrounding waves and notes that official recording of these events only began in 1995. The presentation covers several historical maritime incidents, including the RMS Queen Mary facing a massive wave in 1942 and the tragic loss of life on the Michelangelo in 1966. Other examples include the Bremen, which lost power, and the Viking Polaris, which encountered a giant wave during an Antarctic cruise in 2022. Frame explains that while these waves are unpredictable and dangerous, modern ships are designed to withstand wild weather. He concludes by noting that officers are trained to turn the bow into the wave to mitigate danger and reassures viewers that the statistical likelihood of encountering a rogue wave on a standard cruise remains very low.

Written by TripBacon from this video's transcript.