The evidence of rogue wave existence all over the world during last five years (2006-2010) has been collected based on mass media sources.Only events associated with damage and human loss are included. The waves occurred not only in deep and shallow zones of the World Ocean, but also at the coast, where they were manifested as either sudden flooding of the coast or high splashes over steep banks or sea walls.From the total number of 124 reported events, 64 were identified as evidence of rogue waves (which are expected to be at least twice larger than the significant wave height).
The background significant wave height was estimated from the satellite wave data. The roguewaves at the coast, where the significant wave height is unknown or meaningless, were selected based on their unexpectedness and hazardous character. The statistics built on the selected 64 events suggests that extreme waves cause more damage in shallow waters and at the coast than in the deep sea and can be used for hazard assessment of the rogue wave phenomenon.