2 replies to this topic

[ArtRunScuba]

Thoughts go to the people of Chile and to all who may yet be affected by the Tsunami. As one who has spent considerable time in Chile and knows a number of people there, today has been quite agonizing. I have gotten responses from some of my friends, who have reported family and friends OK, but some still not sure about everyone. Now watching Hilo Hawaii Tsunami. One of my all-time favorite night dives occurred there, even though I stumbled on the rocks and tore up my butt. Also know lots of folks on the Big Island.

Of course, I was diving at Wakatobi when the 2004 Tsunami hit, and we just had stronger currents as land mass of Sulawesi protected us. I had been in areas of Maldives and Sri Lanka which were drowned by the waves just a few weeks earlier. And I had been in Phuket just a few months before and had actually had an alternate plan for my late 2004 trip which would have had me there for the Tsunami.

I also wonder how or whether the diving in the great Pacific areas off South and Central America (Socorros, Galapagos, Cocos, Coiba, Malpelo), plus of course the distant Pacific and Micronesia will be affected.

[drbill]

My condolences to those in Chile and elsewhere that may have been affected by this tremendous earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

Here on Catalina, all is well. According to the warning issued, the tsunami was supposed to hit here at 12:14 PST although forecast to be very mild. Mayor Bob and several of us walked out on the pier to welcome it into Avalon Bay. At about 12:14 we saw a slight ripple, perhaps 1/8th of an inch, but it might have been the wake from a distant kayak. I sat ion front of CNN for 50 minutes while they displayed "the first wave could hit at any time." It didn't while I was watching (and I don't have TV at the house).

I'm not trying to make light of the situation for those who were indeed hard hit by this. We were fortunate here on Catalina Island.

[WreckWench]

Our prayers go out to our members from Chile. We hope you and your family and friends will be spared. kamala