MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Massive waves pelt Chilean coastline

Two people have drowned off Chile's beaches since Sunday due to massive waves that have been pelting the coast all weekend. Ports have been closed and many locals are living in fear of tidal waves.

The Chilean navy issued a day-long warning to boaters and sunbathers on Sunday. The alert has now been extended until Wednesday.

Pedro López Villagra, 33 succumbed to the mighty waves while swimming off San Antonio's Matanza Beach. Eyewitnesses described how he could not stay afloat after being hit by a wall of water. A second death was reported on Monday morning when Chilean Navy personnel found the lifeless body of Patricio Correa, 30

The ports of Coquimbo and Quintero were closed to shallow-draft vessels and small fishing craft due to the intensity and height of the waves along the coast.

According to Chile's meteorological service, the phenomenon was caused by the increased force of an anticyclone located between Corral and Constitución. This naturally-occurring event is expected to cause waves of between one and two meters along the beaches in the north, and of 2.5 to 3.5 meters further out into in the ocean.

For that reason, the harbor master of Valparaíso, Felipe Oak, called for a ban on swimming off local beaches.

Oak added that the waves could reach the coastal walkways and boardwalks, warning people to use caution while strolling along the waterfront. The waves were expected to become dangerously strong in the south, prompting naval officials to call on all boating and yacht clubs not to put out to sea until the waves calm. (Santiago Times).