ACAPULCO, Mexico (Reuters) - An unusually large wave crashed ashore in Mexico's Pacific coast tourist resort of Acapulco Wednesday, killing one person and almost sinking a ship, officials said.

Officials said a homeless person died when the nine-foot-high wave broke over him as he washed his clothes in the sea. Another man was injured.

National broadcaster Televisa showed images of beach umbrellas and deck chairs swept up by the wave from Acapulco's golden beaches and thrown up high on shore.

Port captain Piza Vela said a boat in the harbor was thrown against its moorings and its hull cracked. The Mexican Navy came to the rescue and managed to solder the gash shut before the "Hawaiano," with a capacity of 450 passengers, sank.

 The cause of the large wave was not immediately known.