Surviving the Tsunami

After a month in lovely Barra at the Grand Bay Marina, we thought we were ready to leave today. We have taken on provisions for a couple of weeks, refilled our water tanks, and cleared the decks. Relying on very cheap local laborers, we have had the bottom of the boat cleaned, our fiberglass waxed, and our stainless steel polished. All seemed ready for our departure until, during a last minute check on the weather, we got the tsunami warning. A major earthquake in Chile was expected to produce tidal waves along the Pacific coast. The waves would hit Barra about 11 am. What should we do?

Most of the cruisers anchored in the lagoon decided to run out to sea. Although the waves were not expected to be large here, there was concern that tidal surge in the shallow lagoon could cause boats to hit bottom. The marina is a different matter. It is deeper and the docks are strong and secure. Most of the skippers in the marina decided to stay. We did as well. While we participated in yoga class with Sara on the beach, we watched a parade of boats from the lagoon, and a few from the marina, heading out to sea--some of them at full throttle.

At 11 am, as predicted, the surge began. There was no noticeable tidal wave, but water began to drain from the lagoon at what appeared to be an unusually rapid rate. Navigation buoys were pushed over on their sides as a strong current flowed through the narrow entrance channel. A power boat attempting a late exit through the torrent lost control while passing through the channel and collided with a big navigation buoy, breaking it off its moorings.

The rest of the afternoon there were strong surges, as if water was sloshing in and out of the lagoon. The current past our slip was strong and unpredictable--making us worry about a trip to the fuel dock. So we decided to wait another day before leaving.

Boats returned to the lagoon and marina through the afternoon. No damage was done (except to the navigation buoy). This evening we'll be toasting our survival of yet another natural disaster.