Students run for safety as massive wave strikes cargo ship, leaving them nearly drowning

A group of students from Dr Aletta Jacobs College in Hoogezand, Netherlands, have gone viral after being caught in a massive wave generated during the launch of a cargo ship.

The incident occurred along the Winschoterdiep canal in Foxhol, where several students had gathered near the water’s edge to watch the vessel launch up close.

Video footage shared online showed the pupils scrambling for safety as a powerful wave surged toward the bank moments after the ship entered the water.

Some of the students were knocked off their feet by the force of the water, while others attempted to run away as the wave swept across the area.

Ironically, before the launch, one student could reportedly be heard saying:

“There won’t even be any water, man.”

Moments later, the spectators found themselves drenched as the wave crashed onto the shore.

Although no serious injuries were reported, some students suffered minor mishaps. Reports indicated that several mobile phones were damaged, while one student sustained a bruised ankle.

One of the students seen in the viral footage, 13-year-old Devin, joked about the experience the following day.

“Luckily I’ve dried off a bit now,” he said.

Mohamed, 15, who had chosen to stand farther away from the canal, watched the scene unfold from a safer location.

“I couldn’t stop laughing for five minutes, I almost had stomach ache,” he said.

Another student, 13-year-old Charomy, recalled trying to escape as the wave approached.

“When I saw the water coming, I wanted to run, but I kind of fell. And then it was already too late,” he said.

He added:

“People came up to us asking if we were okay, that was really kind.”

Charomy also described the water as “really dirty” after being soaked by the unexpected surge.

See video below……..

Students Run for Safety as Massive Wave From Cargo Ship Launch Soaks Spectators in Netherlands pic.twitter.com/HvmQU7CANR

— Iamelizabeth (@elizabethblogng) June 14, 2026

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