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
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