Force 9...

So the waves I posted about yesterday were actually comparatively tame compared to today's swells. In fact, the Africa Mercy has run into a Force 8/9 gale on the Beaufort Scale. Now bear in mind that Hurricane strength is Force 12, and you'll see that what we are experiencing is pretty rough!

A Force 8 storm is characterised by waves of between 5,5 and 7,5 metres in height and wind speeds of up to 74 km/h! The waves we are hitting are crashing into the bow and sending spray up onto the windows of the Bridge far above. It's a pity that these photos can't really convey the true power of the sea, but I hope that they will at least give you an idea of what we are experiencing.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea - the LORD on high is mighty.
(Psalm 93: 4 NIV)

A large wave hits the bow...

Followed by another...

And yet another...

Leaving the Bridge windows pretty drenched!