On November 8th, a scuba diving group in the Banda Sea witnessed a remarkable natural event: a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. This extraordinary experience was captured in a series of videos, providing a unique glimpse into the effects of an underwater earthquake.
The video, which quickly garnered online attention, captures the initial moments of the quake. About 20 seconds in, the divers feel the tremor. In a desperate attempt to anchor themselves, they grasp at nearby coral, struggling against the unexpected underwater currents. The quake’s impact is evident as the seabed is agitated, creating a chaotic environment where sand is stirred up and fish dart away in a frenzied escape.
Online reactions to these videos range from awe to fear. Many commenters expressed new anxieties about oceanic earthquakes, with one remarking that the event had been added to their “paranoia list.” Others humorously noted their fear, with comments about being so scared that they would have produced “gas bubbles” from their gear.
This incident isn’t unique. Similar experiences have been recounted by other divers, including one woman who described her ordeal to The Guardian. She recalled an overwhelming rumble and intense vibrations during a dive, initially mistaking them for a large boat overhead. The situation quickly escalated as clouds of sand engulfed her, and she witnessed the sea floor crack open. Only then did she realize it was an earthquake. Her description of the deafening roar and the sensation of the Earth splitting open vividly illustrates the surreal and intense nature of experiencing an underwater earthquake.
These accounts, both personal and captured on video, highlight the unexpected and formidable power of nature, even in the ocean’s depths. They provide a rare insight into the experience of being amidst an underwater earthquake, showcasing both the beauty and the terror of the natural world. Such incidents underscore the unpredictable nature of diving adventures and the awe-inspiring phenomena that can occur beneath the sea’s surface.