http://www.financialsense.com/stormwatch/oldupdates/2002/0426.htm
"Of course, knowledge replaced mythology as the age of exploration was
birthed. These supposed sea monsters were in reality large waves.
Today we refer to them as rogue waves. And yet, to sailors, they are
still known as monsters with the power to sink a ship with one mighty
blow. ... They can appear suddenly, and just as abruptly dissipate,
leaving death and destruction in their wake. Their very existence is
predictable, a matter of statistical probability. We even know where
they are likely to occur."