Yacht-sized passenger boat runs aground in high surf off Hawaii beach

## A Heart-Stopping Moment: Close Call on the Open Water

The salty spray stung my face as I clung to the railing, my knuckles white. What started as a peaceful afternoon sail quickly turned into a heart-stopping near-disaster. For a few agonizing seconds, our boat appeared to be on the verge of flipping, a terrifying prospect on the vast, unforgiving ocean.

It all happened so fast. We were enjoying a steady breeze, the sails full and the boat gliding through the water. Then, without warning, a rogue wave, significantly larger than anything we’d seen all day, slammed into our starboard side.

The impact was brutal. The boat lurched violently, heeling over at what felt like an impossible angle. I could hear the groaning of the mast and the shrieks of my fellow passengers. The world tilted, the blue sky replaced by a churning sea of white foam.

For a brief, terrifying moment, I was convinced we were going over. My mind raced, picturing the icy plunge into the deep, the frantic struggle for survival. It was a primal fear, amplified by the sheer helplessness of the situation.

But then, slowly, agonizingly slowly, the boat began to right itself. Inch by inch, it creaked and groaned its way back towards an upright position. The wave passed, leaving behind only a trail of white water and a profound sense of relief.

We were shaken, undoubtedly. Hearts pounded in our chests, and a nervous chatter filled the air. We immediately checked for damage, thankfully finding none. After a moment to collect ourselves and regain our bearings, we adjusted our sails, steering away from the area where the rogue wave had formed.

While the experience was undeniably frightening, it also served as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. It highlighted the importance of preparedness, vigilance, and respect for the open water. Even on seemingly calm days, the ocean can unleash its fury, and it’s crucial to be ready for anything.

This close call is something I won’t soon forget. It’s a story I’ll be telling for years to come, a chilling reminder of the humbling power of the sea and the importance of always being prepared for the unexpected. Maybe, just maybe, it will encourage others to take extra precautions and appreciate the privilege of navigating these incredible, and sometimes treacherous, waters.