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On November 18, 1929, an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale out in the Atlantic Ocean on the Grand Banks created a tidal wave. Travelling at a speed of 140 kilometres per hour, the tidal wave reached the Burin Peninsula at 7:00 p.m., two hours after residents in Burin had first felt the earthquake’s tremor. The tidal wave claimed 27 lives, along with many homes, fishing equipment and winter provisions, leaving families destitute.
Monday, November 18, 1929 had been a routine autumn day in the lives of the island dwellers. When the ground shook at 5:02 p.m., some thought there had been an explosion in the mines or on a distant vessel. Yet nothing immediately followed the violent tremor so people resumed their previous activities. Two hours later, when the tidal wave devastated the Burin Peninsula, no word could be sent for assistance due to broken telegraph lines. The peninsula was left in silence.
Tsunami 1929: Silence of the Sea bears witness to the silent power of the ocean. In the eerie calm that followed the tremor, people were unaware of the devastation to come. The hurling waves quietly receded, leaving an unnatural stillness as men, women and children stood mute amongst the ruins. Today we stand in silence at commemoration services, remembering the lives lost to the angry waves on the night of November 18, 1929.
