A massive 18 metre tall wave was recorded off the coast of Donegal during Storm Eowyn.
The wave was the second-highest recorded anywhere in Ireland during the storm by the Irish Marine Institute.
The 18.75 metre wave was recorded by the institute’s M4 buoy, which is located 83 kilometres off the coast of Donegal.
Meanwhile the highest mark was recorded off the coast of Cork by the institute’s M3 buoy, with a wave measuring 20.15 metres.
The buoys collect weather and ocean data, including wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, air and sea surface temperature, and wave statistics.
While neither figure reached record highs for waves , the institute noted that the buoys continued to transmit accurate figures and remained in place despite record winds – a buoy off the coast of Galway recording gusts of up to 165 km/h at one point.
Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute said “the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network plays a vital role in forecasting weather events, particularly during severe storms like Storm Éowyn.”
“Data buoys provide real-time ocean and weather measurements that are critical for accurate weather predictions, supporting national emergency efforts, and ensuring public safety. Despite the extreme conditions of Storm Éowyn, the data buoys withstood the intense weather, remained operational, and continued delivering crucial data.”
“The ongoing collaboration between the Marine Institute and Met Éireann, ensures that the Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network remains a reliable and vital resource for weather forecasting and maritime safety, as well as a critical support for scientific research,” Dr Officer added.
