[neilep (OP)]

I've been watching a program called Deadliest Catch...it's about these fisherman guys who go out and catch Crabs in what can be extraordinarily harsh conditions.

One episode had them caught in a storm with 20 Metre waves !!..Not good !!.....but every so often there was what they called a ' Stray wave ' that reached  35 meters plus !..but just the one...and these were not regular occurring on a cycle.......

...so....what are the conditions that cause these rare gargantuan monsters ?

...we actually saw one knock a ship over...which amazingly ' righted ' itself !!

[Seany]

I'd love to help you there. But I've been wondering how it happens too! I assume that a tiny wave occurs out at sea, and it becomes bigger as it comes towards shore. But how does it take place in the first place?

[neilep (OP)]

These are waves that occur in the middle of the ocean... []

[Seany]

Thanks for that.. []

[dentstudent]

They are called Rogue Waves - here's a link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freak_wave

[DoctorBeaver]

They're caused by Luciano Pavarotti diving into the sea  []