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Tidal Wave, St Thomas
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Tidal Wave, St Thomas
A tidal wave, following an earthquake, hits the steamship La Plata off the island of St Thomas, West Indies
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 592320
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10040180
1867 Earthquake Hits Indies Phenomena Steam Ship Tidal Wave Waves
EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking photograph captures the aftermath of a natural disaster that occurred off the coast of St. Thomas, in the West Indies, on October 30, 1867. The image depicts the massive tidal wave, also known as a seiche wave, crashing against the side of the steamship La Plata. The wave was caused by an earthquake that had struck the region just hours earlier. The earthquake, which measured 7.5 on the Richter scale, was one of the most devastating in the history of the Caribbean. It caused widespread destruction and loss of life across the region, including on the island of St. Thomas. The earthquake and subsequent tidal wave affected numerous ships in the vicinity, including the La Plata, which was carrying passengers and cargo from Havana, Cuba to New York City. The photograph provides a vivid and haunting reminder of the destructive power of nature. The towering wave, with its frothy white crest, dwarfs the steamship, which appears insignificant in comparison. The water churns and foams as it crashes against the ship's side, threatening to engulf it. The sky above is clear, adding to the sense of stillness and calm in the midst of chaos. The historical significance of this photograph lies in its documentation of a natural phenomenon that caused widespread devastation and loss. It serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the vulnerability of human structures in the face of natural disasters. The photograph also provides a glimpse into the past, offering a window into a time when travel by sea was a common mode of transportation and the risks and uncertainties of the open sea were a constant concern.
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