Tsunami Threat Lifts in Caribbean After 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake
The tsunami threat in the Caribbean has been lifted following a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands. The National Weather Service confirmed no significant surges were reported, leading to a return to normalcy for cruise operations. Authorities remain cautious about possible aftershocks, urging public vigilance.
Following a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands on February 8, the Caribbean region has been relieved with the lifting of tsunami advisories. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service confirmed that the tsunami threat had dissipated without any significant surges reported, affecting only minimal unusual currents in certain areas.
The National Weather Service stated, “With the latest modeling and information, the tsunami threat has passed.” Additionally, they communicated, “There are no alerts posted for the United States or International Partners. The tsunami threat has passed.” Initial predictions had suggested possible surges of up to 10 feet, yet the earthquake’s impact was ultimately less severe than anticipated.
On February 9, the US Geological Survey reported over 350 individuals who felt the earthquake, with no injuries or severe damages reported. As normalcy returns to the region, cruise ships are resuming their scheduled itineraries. Notably, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Summit, the closest passenger ship to the earthquake epicenter, extended its stay in George Town, Grand Cayman, by five hours before departing for Fort Lauderdale.
Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Grandeur, which was en route from Costa Maya, Mexico, at the time of the earthquake, is currently navigating towards Falmouth, Jamaica, for a scheduled visit on February 10, 2025. Several Caribbean territories, including Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Puerto Rico, were placed on heightened alert immediately following the quake at 6:23 p.m. local time.
The response to the earthquake was complicated due to the malfunction of five out of six Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoys near the Cayman Islands. Craig Setzer, a meteorologist for Royal Caribbean, noted, “Buoy 42409 in the central Gulf apparently recorded the ‘shaking’ as a series of deep-water waves passed, but not tsunami waves. The other buoys are reporting ‘NO DATA.'”
Despite the cancellation of tsunami warnings, potential aftershocks linger. Dani Coleman, director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands, emphasized, “We have no doubt that there will be aftershocks over the next couple of days” and encouraged the public to stay informed through official channels. Ships at sea generally remain unaffected by earthquakes occurring deep below the surface and are equipped to handle rough waters that might arise.
On February 9, George Town’s tender port has no scheduled calls, with the next expected arrival being the Royal Caribbean vessel Independence of the Seas on February 10. The Seven Seas Grandeur and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure are set to arrive on February 11, with confirmations from the port authority of the Cayman Islands of no warnings in place ahead of these arrivals.
In conclusion, the Caribbean region has successfully navigated the tsunami threat following a significant earthquake, with advisories lifted and cruise operations returning to normal. The region experienced no significant surges or damages, although aftershocks remain a concern. Authorities continue to encourage vigilance while ensuring that maritime activities proceed safely.
Original Source: www.cruisehive.com
