The Newfoundland Tsunami of 1929

The first indication

It was about 7:30 when the people noticed that the ocean had a very rapid drop in its level. Of course, we know now that is an indication of an oncoming Tsunami, but not very many knew that at that time. As the water drained out of the harbors some could see the ocean floor where there had been plenty of water minutes before. Boats tipped unto their sides but minutes later everything changed.

Image Credit

The Tsunami hits

Three waves in a row struck the shores of the Burin Peninsula. People watched as the water rose rapidly in some places three to seven meters above the normal swell. Those that lived in the long narrow bays felt the sting of the Tsunami much worse than those that lived high on the banks of a community. In places such as Port au Bras, St. Lawrence and Taylor Bay, had water that hit between 13 and 27 meters high. The devastation was overwhelming. Houses, schooners and other vessels were washed out to sea never to be seen again. 127,000 kilograms of salt fish were washed away. This alone was devastating as that was most of the people’s winter food. In Point au Gaul the giant waves destroyed approximately 100 buildings as well as fishing gear and nets.

Image Credit

Loss of life

The property damage was not the worst thing that happened, there were 28 lives lost due to this disaster. It is not anything like the number of lives that are taken in these types of disasters today, but back then it was a large amount for the area that the Tsunami hit. At the time this was more loss of life, than any other disasters, that was in Canadian history, up to then. There were six people washed out to sea and never found, 28 drowned due to the waves. These deaths were spread over six communities which were Allen’s island, Kelly’s Cove, Point au Gaul, Lord’s Cove, Taylor’s Bay and Port au Bras. The death toll could have been higher but it was a calm evening and most people were awake. Many of those people saw the waves coming and had time to evacuate their homes and finds higher land.

When it was over

It took thirty minutes for three main waves to bring devastation to these small communities and about two hours for the water to return to normal levels. Most of the people just stumbled around in shock. They started looking for bodies and tried to pick up what was usable. There were a few boats left intact that went out on the ocean looking for those that were lost or trapped in buildings that were floating on the sea. At Taylor’s Bay there were only 17 houses remaining, to help so many that needed a place to stay, after their homes were washed away.

Image Credit

Arrival of the SS Portia

Three days after the disaster the SS Portia made a scheduled stop at Burin Harbor. As the harbor came into view Captain Westbury Kean could not believe the sight that lay before his eyes. Upon the turn to enter the harbor they had seen a fish store float pass their ship, then a house, and 9 more buildings. They had no idea at the time the devastation these communities had been through. As they came closer to shore the damage that had been caused was evident, everywhere they looked. Captain Kean had a wireless on board of his ship and radioed St. John’s. That was the first time the outside world knew about the Tsunami.

Image Credit

The ones that survived like all of us in a major disaster helped those that couldn’t help themselves. Those that were lucky enough to escape the waves shared what they had with those that didn’t. They sat and waited for help to arrive and three days later it did in the form of the SS Portia.