Turkey, Izmir: Magnitude 7 Earthquake and Mini-Tsunami
Yesterday (October 30) a strong, shallow earthquake of magnitude 7 hit in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Izmir and Samos. At least 27 people have died and over 800 have been injured.
Published 4 years ago
- Teos Marina after the mini-tsunami hit
The epicentre of the earthquake was in the Aegean Sea some 11 miles (17 km) off the coast of Turkey’s Izmir province, at a depth of 10 miles (16 km).
It hit at 14.51 on Friday 30 October and there were a total of 470 aftershocks recorded, 35 of which were over 4.0 magnitude, Turkey’s Disaster Management Agency have reported.
In Turkey, more than 20 buildings in Izmir were reported as having collapsed. Images showed vehicles crushed under the buildings and people digging through the rubble in search of survivors. Buildings were also destroyed on the Greek island of Samos.
Water flooded through parts of Izmir province and the streets of Samos, causing more damage than the earthquake itself.
A number of boats in Sığacık, Turkey, were washed aground at Teos Marina and the strong currents formed by the withdrawing water in the harbor caused the marina pontoons to be damaged and crush boats together. The water level now stands at 1m below normal, causing concerns for a second tsunami.
Elsewhere in the area cruisers report little effect except feeling slight tremors. Boats in Leros (south of Samos) were moved off the town quay until the tsunami risk had passed tremors were felt by cruisers as far away as Eagina (near Athens) and Crete.
Teos Marina have issued a statement requesting boat owners don’t call for the time being. There is alot of flotsam so no boats are allowed to depart from or access the marina until all has been cleared. Undamaged boats will be able to leave once flotsam has been removed. There is no electricity to boats for the short term. Neighbouring Alaçatı and Kuşadası marinas can provide berths. Owners of damaged boats will be notified as soon as possible and these boats will be hauled out.
The marina are appealing for divers, technicians, repair workers and help with sinking boats. Contact the marina for details.
Teos Marina
+90 232 745 80 80
info@teosmarina.com
Further Reading:
- Earthquake off Turkey and Greece kills at least 27 – CNN
- Med Sailing Facebook Page
- Video by Teos Marina as Mini-Tsunami Hit
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Noonsite has not independently verified this information.
Related to following destinations: Aegean Sea, Eastern Sporades, Greece, Izmir, Pithagorion (Samos), Turkey, Vathi (Samos)
Related to the following Cruising Resources: Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Mediterranean, Routing, Weather
Report from MV LeeZe in Levent Marina, Izmir Turkey
LeeZe weathered the quake without any visible damage though I am waiting for a diver to verify that the underwater parts are OK. I believe there are. There MUST have been an outrush of water from the marina as two sailboats did strike the bottom hard, which will require them to have their keel inspected. The marina has not yet installed a capability to haul vessels out so a crane will be needed to lift these sailboats out. It appears that the marina’s water level is down 40-50 centimeters.
Teos continues her cleanup. So does the local town that suffered a smallish tsunami. It has been reported by another news feed that the boats that came into town and rattled around are damaged beyond repair, plus are in little alleys and on narrow roads where removal in one piece is just too darn hard. The city is still in rescue mode but hope is fading fast that (more) survivors could still be found.