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Historic Vids @historyinmemes

A genuine 1980 photograph shows the supertanker Esso Languedoc being struck by a massive rogue wave off Durban, South Africa. Captured by the ship's chief officer, the image remains one of the most famous examples of extreme ocean conditions.

The photograph captured what many scientists once considered nearly impossible: a rogue wave. Taken in 1980 as the oil supertanker Esso Languedoc sailed off Durban, South Africa, it shows a towering wall of water rising far above the ship's bow. The crew estimated the wave reached around 25--30 meters (82--98 feet) high.

For much of the 20th century, rogue waves were often treated as sailor's tales because traditional wave models suggested such extreme events were almost impossible. Images like this, combined with eyewitness accounts, helped change scientific understanding. Later advances in satellite monitoring, ocean buoys, and modeling confirmed that rogue waves are real and can form when multiple wave systems combine their energy into a single massive crest.

The waters off South Africa are especially dangerous because powerful Southern Ocean swells can collide with the strong Agulhas Current, creating unpredictable sea conditions. In 1995, the Draupner oil platform in the North Sea recorded the first scientifically measured rogue wave, a 25.6-meter (84-foot) wave that provided definitive proof these extreme events exist.

Cat adopts orphaned monkey.

Little kitten already understand there is no "I" in team.

This chicken has seen Roadhouse too many times.

Rescue dogs are extra-devoted.

Hero dog chases off bear menacing little boy.

Old but fun: Boys play ball with a playful elk.

Employee of the meownth.

Dog really wants to turn a kiddie pool into a boat but it's not big enough to support him.

Lion misses his Emotional Support Dachshund.

Out of control!

He's a regular Snake Plisskin.

When you have to landscape an overgrown lawn that hasn't been tended for years, it's time to bring in the heavy machinery.

And that heavy machinery is thirty-five goats.

posted by Disinformation Expert Ace at 07:20 PM

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