World record breaking 62ft wave measured between Britain and Iceland

Gigantic: The wave measured at 19 metres or 62.3 ft (file image)
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Jamie Bullen14 December 2016

A 62ft wave in the North Atlantic between Britain and Iceland has set a world record for the highest ever, it has emerged.

The UN’s weather agency said an automated buoy measured the colossal 19 metre-wave (62.3 ft),which is higher than four double-decker buses, on February 4 in 2013 at 6am UK time.

Experts from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said the phenomenon took place following a “very strong cold front” which produced 50mph winds in the area at the time.

WMO assistant secretary general Wenjian Zhang said: “This is the first time we have ever measured a wave of 19 meters. It is a remarkable record.

"It highlights the importance of meteorological and ocean observations and forecasts to ensure the safety of the global maritime industry and to protect the lives of crew and passengers on busy shipping lanes."

Scientists from Britain, Canada, Spain and the US on a WMO expert committee classified the wave “the highest significant wave height as measured by a buoy”.

It surpassed the previous record of 18.275 metres (59.96 ft) measured on December 8 in 2007 also in the North Atlantic.

The world record has been added to the official WMO archive of weather and climate extremes which also includes highest and lowest temperatures, maximum gust of wind and longest dry spell.

Experts said wave height is defined as the distance from the crest of one wave to the trough of the next.

The highest waves typically occur in the North Atlantic because of wind circulation patterns and atmospheric pressure which can trigger intense extra-tropical storms.

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