The huge swell struck the coastline of Peru, Chile, and Ecuador one day after an environmental emergency was declared in the wake of an oil spill in the region

Massive 13ft waves are battering the coastlines of Peru and Ecuador as of December 30. Footage captured in Piura, Peru on December 27 shows the high swells tossing boats around the water and causing some to sink.

Large waves have been hitting the Peruvian coast over the weekend and are expected to continue this week. Dozens of fishermen had to be rescued.

A tsunami hit the coast of Peru. Several ships were destroyed by the meter-high waves and towns were flooded. Fishermen are still stranded on their boats.