S/V Vega 26. December 2004.

At about 12:35 local time a strong tidal surge hit us from beam on. In a matter of minutes Vega was heeling at more than 15 degrees due to the tremendous force of the tidal stream and the mooring lines that were holding her tight too the floating dock were screaming iron taught.  The water rose at a rapid rate. 

The floating pier, which is usually well below the top of its pylons, was quickly approaching the point where the riders would break free leaving nothing to hold either the pier or Vega in firm safety.  The forces were astounding as 7-8 knots of unimpeded raging current thrust against Vegas long deep keel directly from the side. Mooring cleats on the pier were bending, emitting excruciating sounds of tortured metal, as the entire pier was pulled sideways.

 This was the direct effect of what the American Geological Survey called the worse earthquake in 40 years. We were ridding the tsunami waves surge. Here was one small part of a giant wave that was to leave hundreds of thousands dead and entire island nations devastated. For us it was a sudden nightmare on a perfectly clear day. This wasn’t wind or storms that we were fighting, but the direct result of an earthquake hundreds of miles away.

 The damage ashore was intense but nothing compared to that in the enclosed marinas of Talaga Harbor and Reback marina. Both marinas were left in total disarray with boats hard ashore, others sunken, or adrift at sea with no one aboard.  Within minutes hundreds of boats were damaged or lost.

 Vega was lucky. We were in the only marina that did not suffer major damage. Although Vega looked like a giant spider in the center of its rope web after all settled down, we were safe with no noticeable damage. It was frightening, and awe-inspiring.