 Weather conditions in the area can be extreme, and Pedra Branca is occasionally swept by freak waves.On 15 April 2003, oceanographer Hamish Saunders drowned after being washed off Pedra Branca.The Tasmanian Coroner's report  includes testimony from three witnesses who described how Saunders was swept away when a "wave hit the island resulting in heavy spray coming up to and over the level".