Tsunami Threat Declared Over in Caribbean After 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake

Following a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands, tsunami advisories have been lifted, with no significant impacts reported. The National Weather Service confirmed the tsunami threat had passed and cruise ships have resumed operations. Experts caution about potential aftershocks, while no serious injuries or damages have been noted from the quake.

The Caribbean region can finally exhale following the lifting of tsunami advisories after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands on February 8. The National Weather Service (NWS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), confirmed that the tsunami threat had dissipated, noting no significant surges were observed, although some locations may have experienced minor unusual currents.

“With the latest modeling and information, the tsunami threat has passed,” stated the NWS. They further assured, “There are no alerts posted for the United States or International Partners. The tsunami threat has passed.” The earthquake’s potential impact, initially forecast to include surges of up to 10 feet, ultimately proved to be less severe than feared.

Reports indicated more than 350 individuals felt the quake, according to the US Geological Survey, yet no serious injuries or damages have been reported. As the affected areas stabilize, cruise ships nearby resumed their operations. The Celebrity Summit, the closest passenger vessel to the quake’s epicenter, extended its stay in George Town, Grand Cayman, before continuing its journey to Fort Lauderdale.

Additionally, the Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, which departed from Costa Maya, Mexico during the earthquake, is navigating through the same waters en route to Falmouth, Jamaica on February 10, 2025. The region, including Jamaica and other nearby territories, was placed on high alert immediately following the quake, which struck at 6:23 p.m. local time on February 8.

Challenges arose when it was reported that five out of six tsunami detection buoys near the Cayman Islands were non-functional. Royal Caribbean’s meteorologist Craig Setzer noted on X (formerly Twitter) that buoy 42409 in the central Gulf detected the tremors, but no corresponding tsunami waves. The status of the other buoys remains uncertain.

Although the tsunami warnings have been rescinded, experts caution about the possibility of aftershocks. Dani Coleman, director of Hazard Management for the Cayman Islands, advised, “We have no doubt that there will be aftershocks over the next couple of days.” Aftershocks are typical following a major earthquake as the geological landscape adjusts.

It is worth noting that maritime vessels are generally resilient to distant quakes and can effectively handle rough seas induced by seismic activity. March 9 shows no scheduled arrivals at George Town’s tender port apart from the upcoming Independence of the Seas on February 10. The Seven Seas Grandeur and Disney Treasure are anticipated on February 11, with no active warnings from the Cayman Islands port authority in place.

In summary, the tsunami threat following the 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands has been officially declared over, with no significant impacts reported. Cruise ship operations have returned to normal, even as experts advise caution regarding potential aftershocks. Overall, the region demonstrates resilience following this seismic event, allowing visitors and locals to resume their activities safely.

Original Source: www.cruisehive.com