maybe it was 9 foot...9 meter sea is 27 feet, Having spent some time at sea...a 27 foot wave would be breaking over the bow very dangerous situ for sure...
maybe it was 9 foot...9 meter sea is 27 feet9 foot does seem more likely 25 miles out in 35 KT winds. That would be right on target for a East to North-East wind here in the NY Bight, but I can't say for the waters this took place in.