Tragedy from a capsized canoe caused by an unexpected giant wave

This sad news story from independent.ie is another one being blamed by the freaque wave in the last few days. This time it was en route to duck hunting:

Mr Topham, who was deeply involved in charitable and community causes in Kenmare and south Kerry, had gone out with a friend in a Canadian canoe.

The friends were travelling from Templenoe in Kenmare Bay towards an offshore island for a duck-hunting expedition in seemingly placid conditions.

However, the canoe was capsized by a giant wave and both men were thrown into the freezing waters.

One managed to swim to Kelly's Island and raise the alarm. However, Mr Topham was unable to make it to safety and is believed to have drowned.

A major search by the Irish Coastguard and RNLI was launched on Sunday and recommenced yesterday morning.

The body of the father of three was recovered by naval divers near Templenoe Pier, not far from where the canoe capsized.

So it was simply a case of the canoe being capsized by a "giant wave"! Was it a freaque wave? Probably yes, because it was clearly unexpected. At any rate the lost of this father is a definite tragedy in these early days of the new year. We can only pray for the family for their loss, may God's blessing be with them.

Perth mum and her toddler son encountered a freaque wave were rescued by master surfer

Here's the full title of the article that tells a happy ending story: "Surfing champion Kelly Slater helps rescue Perth mum, toddler from freak wave in Hawaii." And here's the story:

SURFING superstar Kelly Slater is a master of the waves, but this week he turned into a real-life hero after helping rescue a Perth mother and her toddler from a freak wave in Hawaii.
Photographer Chris White posted his thanks on Instagram that Slater was in the right place at the right time to help save his wife Sarah and their toddler son, Van, on Thursday.
“So thankful the surf gods denied @kellyslater today cos whatever reason he was right there to save my wife and kid who were swept across a road by a freak wave today,” Mr White posted.

And

So thankful the surf gods denied @kellyslater today cos for whatever reason he was right there to save my wife and kid who were swept across a road by a freak wave today. Forever grateful to the great man and so thankful my family is alive and safe ?? ??? Thanks to all the lifeguards too who saved many lives today.

So Mr. Slater was modest saying he happened to be there, can anyone see it clearly that God's hands were right there in protecting Mr. White's family? Thanks to the heroic Mr. Slater and Thanks be to GOD! Read the cited article for some nice pictures!

Crushing waves during harbour commute

This article  in au.news.yahoo.com this morning carried a captured video of a frightening
scene of a ferocious wave crached into the comunter ferry. They called the scene increditable
and harrowing which is certainly true and truly invaluable! Well worth a visit to their site and
see for yourself. Here's an appropriate description:

“It’s been fairly big, and we’ve had some freak waves. It was spectacular,"

It certainly was! 

Double tragedy as man drowns trying to save partner

First freaque wave connected case of the new year of 2016 happened in Malta, according to Times of Malta:

A stroll on New Year's Day at a picturesque area in Gozo ended in tragedy this afternoon when a Polish couple drowned.  

The police said a 50-year-old woman was washed out by a wave when she was on the rocks in the area known in Qala, in the area known as Tas-Sim

The 51-year-old man who was with her jumped into the sea to try to save her. According to a witness who spoke to police, the sea conditions at the time were not rough but the area is susceptible to the odd freakwave.

The witness said the man was taking pictures of the woman shortly before the tragedy.

The Armed Forces of Malta were called to assist but both died.

An inquiry is being held. The police are investigating.

 Hope this is the only tragic case that will happen anywhere in 2016!