‘Spring Tide’ Ocean Waves Crash Into Buildings in South Africa, Leaving 2 Dead and Injuring Several

South African law enforcement officers walk across a street strewn with debris after unusually large waves hit the coastal village of Gordon's Bay in South Africa on Sept. 17, 2023, following the spring high tide in the Western Cape Province. Rodger Bosch/AFP via Getty Images

CAPE TOWN, South Africa—Big ocean waves caused by a phenomenon known as “spring tide” crashed into coastal parts of South Africa over the weekend, leaving two people dead and injuring several, authorities said Monday.

The weather service said that waves as high as 9.5 meters were recorded, with some damaging seaside buildings and sweeping cars through parking lots.