The occurrence of freak waves is investigated through the analysis of data collected by a wave buoy anchored near Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro. After examining more than 17,000 records (about 3 millions waves) only two waves could be classified as abnormal, according to the criteria found in the literature, like abnormality index, crest amplification index, and minimum significant wave height. Both waves, with individual heights of 4.3 and 8.54 m, occurred in the spring of 1998 and 2001, despite the main storms had been registered in autumn, with different spectral composition and main direction of propagation.
freak waves; wind waves; data analysis
