St. Helena Bay, South Africa, where a "mini tsunami" swept a car out to sea and damaged port structures.
Sudden changes in sea level off the Atlantic coasts of South Africa and Namibia in late August were most likely caused by undersea earthquakes triggering slumps (mudslides) on the ocean floor, according to South African researchers.
One of the three abrupt tide changes observed within a six-hour period on Aug. 20-21 caused minor damage along the South African coast.
Witnesses said one surge dragged a car into the sea and caused damage to coastal facilities at St. Helena Bay.
The South African National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) says hydrographic readings from Cape Town, Port Nolloth, Luederitz and Walvis Bay show evidence of offshore seismic activity on the night of August 20, possibly the cause of the “mini tsunamis.”
Photo: Tallie Marine (St. Helena Bay)
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