The Caribbean region has lifted tsunami advisories after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake on February 8, with minimal impacts reported. Cruise ships have resumed operations, and there are no significant injuries or damages. While the tsunami threat has passed, aftershocks may occur, prompting officials to urge continued vigilance. George Town has scheduled arrivals of cruise ships in the coming days, with no warnings currently in place.
The Caribbean region can now breathe easier following the lifting of tsunami advisories that stemmed from a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands on February 8. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service confirmed that the tsunami threat has diminished, with no significant surges detected, and only minimal unusual currents reported in some areas. “With the latest modeling and information, the tsunami threat has passed,” stated the NWS.
Despite initial concerns about possible surges reaching up to 10 feet, the earthquake’s impact has been less severe than anticipated. As of early February 9, the U.S. Geological Survey reported more than 350 individuals claiming to have felt the quake. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries or major damage related to this seismic event.
The region is returning to normal, with cruise ships resuming their schedules. Notably, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Summit, which was closest to the earthquake’s epicenter, extended its stay in George Town, Grand Cayman, but has since resumed its journey back to Fort Lauderdale. This vessel accommodates 2,218 guests and is currently enjoying a two-day sea leg on a special entertainment cruise featuring the renowned American composer Chris Botti.
Additionally, the Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Grandeur, which was departing Costa Maya, Mexico, when the earthquake occurred, is now heading toward Falmouth, Jamaica, for a scheduled stop on February 10, 2025. Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and several other Caribbean nations were placed on high alert following the earthquake that struck at 6:23 p.m. local time on February 8.
Complicating the initial response, it was discovered that five out of six DART (Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis) buoys near the Cayman Islands were non-operational. Royal Caribbean’s Meteorologist Craig Setzer noted on X (formerly Twitter) that buoy 42409 registered the shaking from the earthquake; however, the other buoys reported “NO DATA.” Some of the non-reporting buoys appeared to have drifted off course, impacting tsunami detection efforts.
Although tsunami warnings have been rescinded, there remains a possibility for aftershocks following the earthquake. Dani Coleman, director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands, remarked, “We have no doubt that there will be aftershocks over the next couple of days.” The public is advised to remain vigilant and stay informed through official channels, as aftershocks can occur days or weeks after an initial quake.
It is essential to note that vessels at sea are unaffected by deep-seated quakes and are equipped to handle turbulent seas potentially caused by earthquake activity. George Town’s tender port has no scheduled arrivals on February 9, with the next expected vessel, Independence of the Seas, set to arrive on February 10. The port authority has issued no warnings ahead of the anticipated arrivals of Seven Seas Grandeur and Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Treasure on February 11.
In summary, the tsunami threat following the significant earthquake near the Cayman Islands has been officially lifted, allowing cruise ships and local residents to resume normal activities without fear of immediate danger. While the earthquake’s impacts were minimal, ongoing awareness of potential aftershocks is advised. The community and travelers should continue monitoring updates from official sources to ensure safety during this transition back to regular operations.
Original Source: www.cruisehive.com
