High Surf — Saipan, Guam

2004-08-21 · Saipan, Guam

Wider weather episode

A male Chinese tourist, 38, was taking pictures of his friends on the rocks of the Grotto at Marpi, Saipan. A very large wave came in suddenly, and swept him out over the reef. His body was never recovered. One of the friends was injured, requiring hospital care. The high surf was associated with the approach of Typhoon Chaba, which moved through the Mariana Islands over the following two days.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5432264. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.