Tsunami Threat Resolved Following 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake in Caribbean
Tsunami advisories in the Caribbean have been lifted after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands on February 8. With no significant tsunami effects, cruise ships have resumed operations in the area. However, authorities warn of possible aftershocks in the following days and urge public vigilance. The situation is stabilizing with no alerts currently issued for incoming cruise arrivals.
The Caribbean region can now breathe easier as tsunami advisories have been lifted following a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands on February 8. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that the tsunami threat has dissipated, with minimal unusual currents possibly affecting only some areas and no significant surges reported. The NWS stated, “With the latest modeling and information, the tsunami threat has passed.”
In the wake of initial concerns predicting possible surges of up to 10 feet, the earthquake’s impact has turned out to be less severe than anticipated. Reports from the U.S. Geological Survey indicate that only about 350 individuals felt the quake, and there have been no reported injuries or serious damage linked to the event. As normalcy returns, local cruise ships have resumed their scheduled itineraries.
The Celebrity Summit, the closest passenger vessel to the quake’s epicenter, extended its stay in George Town, Grand Cayman for five hours longer than originally planned before departing for Fort Lauderdale. Meanwhile, the Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, sailing from Costa Maya, Mexico at the time of the earthquake, continues its journey to Falmouth, Jamaica.
Multiple regional nations, including Jamaica and the U.S. Virgin Islands, were placed on high alert following the earthquake, which struck at 6:23 p.m. local time. Complicating response efforts was the malfunction of five out of six Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoys in the region, essential for tsunami detection. Royal Caribbean’s Meteorologist Craig Setzer noted, “Buoy 42409 in the central Gulf apparently recorded the ‘shaking’ as a series of deep-water waves passed, but not tsunami waves.”
Although tsunami warnings have been lifted, the possibility of aftershocks remains. Dani Coleman, Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands, urged citizens to remain vigilant, stating, “We have no doubt that there will be aftershocks over the next couple of days.” Aftershocks are common post-earthquake occurrences and may last for several weeks. Ships at sea, however, typically remain unaffected by deep-seated quakes and are equipped to handle rough waters.
On February 9, George Town’s tender port has no scheduled ship arrivals, with the next being Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas on February 10. Additionally, both the Seven Seas Grandeur and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure are expected to dock on February 11. The Cayman Islands Port Authority has reported no warnings in place in anticipation of these arrivals.
In conclusion, the tsunami threat following the 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands has been declared passed with no significant disruptions reported. The region is returning to its normal operations, and cruise itineraries have resumed. However, authorities emphasize vigilance regarding potential aftershocks in the coming days. The public is encouraged to stay informed through official channels as the situation stabilizes.
Original Source: www.cruisehive.com
