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1964 ALASKA EARTHQUAKE RADIO TRAFFIC
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Z 280345Z MAR 64
FM USCGC SEDGE
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
EARTHQUAKE
1. APPROX 1740W CORDOVA SUFFERED EARTH TREMORS.
2. DOCK SEVERELY DAMAGED, DAMAGE IN TOWN UNKNOWN.
3. PERSONNEL AT CAPT ST. ELIAS AND CAPE HINCHINBROOK SAFE. BUILDING
QUIVERING 16 INCHES.
4. WILL REPORT ANY FURTHER DAMAGES AS THEY BECOME KNOWN.
BT
BT
SS ALASKA STANDARD REPORTS THE WHOLE WATERFRONT IN SEWARD IS AFIRE AND IF A CG CUTTER IS NEARBY, MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP. VESSEL STANDING BY 2182 KHZ.
CGC BITTERSWEET IS MAINTAINING WATCH ON 2182-2716 KHZ.
BT
O 280408Z MAR 64
FM CGLORSTA SITKINAK
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
INFO CGLORSTA ST PAUL
CGLORSTA PORT CLARENCE
CGLORSTA ADAK
CGLORSTA ATTU
BT
UNCLAS
1. EARTHQUAKE EXPERIENCED 280335Z
2. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AS FOLLOWS:
A. LORAN OUT OF OPERATION. REPAIR TIME UNKNOWN, PROBABLY DAYS AT BEST.
B. WATER MAIN AND ELECTRICAL CABLE BROKEN.
C. 5 INCH AND MORE CRACKS IN MOST WALLS.
D. DECK SETTLED 3-6 INCHES IN SOME SECTIONS OF STATION.
E. ANTENNA STILL STANDS.
3. REQUEST REPAIR CREWS FOR EST OF DAMAGE AND ASSIST IN REPAIR ASAP.
4. BUILDING CONSIDERED VERY SAFE. MINOR QUAKES CONTINUE.
5. MORE DAMAGE REPORTS TO FOLLOW.
BT
BT
ALASKA STANDARD REPORTS CITY OF VALDEZ ALMOST OBLITERATED. TOWN ALMOST COMPLETELY FLATTENED. THE SUSTINA IS STANDING BY TO BE OF ASSISTANCE.
SEWARD - THE ALASKA STANDARD GOT UNDERWAY WHEN THE QUAKE STRUCK. THE DOCK HAD PEOPLE ON IT AND IT CAUGHT FIRE AND HE DIDN'T KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE INJURED.
VALDEZ - HE KNOWS THAT THERE IS AT LEAST ONE DEAD AND IS SURE OF INJURIES.
BT
O 280412Z MAR 64
FM NORPACSARCOORD
TO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
EARTHQUAKE - TIDAL WAVE
1. HAM OPERATOR VALDEZ REPORTS DAMAGE DUE EARTHQUAKE AND TIDAL WAVE.
2. JUNEAU NORMAL. COMMUNICATIONS LINE NORTH OUT AT PRESENT.
3. ADVISE HINCHINBROOK, CAPE ST ELIAS AND SEDGE OF POSSIBLE TIDAL WAVE
DAMAGE.
4. REQUEST FURTHER INFO FROM ELMENDORF REGARDING WHITTIER AND SEWARD.
5. POSSIBILITY EXISTS OF TIDAL WAVE KODIAK.
BT
P 280428Z MAR 64
FM CGAD KODIAK
TO USCGC SEDGE
BT UNCLAS
MOVE TO OPEN WATER.
BT
RECEIVED FROM PILOT POINT AND F/V MARPET
BT
"THE VILLAGE OF CHENEGA IS COMPLETELY WIPED OUT BY A TIDAL WAVE. THERE ARE MANY INJURIES. CHENEGA IS THE VILLAGE AT THE SOUTHWEST END OF PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND. THERE IS ONLY ONE HOUSE LEFT STANDING.
BT
THE MARPET IS STANDING BY ON 2182 AND REQUESTS IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE
P 280437Z MAR 64
FM KODIAKSARCOORD
TO USCGC BITTERSWEET
USCGC SEDGE
BT
UNCLAS
TIDAL WAVE WARNING
1. PROCEED TO OPEN WATER UNTIL FURTHER ADVISED.
2. PROCEED DIRECTION PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
BT
O 280502Z MAR 64
FM HONOLULU OBSERVATORY
TO AIG 158
BT
UNCLAS
THIS IS BULLETIN NUMBER 001.
THIS IS A TIDAL WAVE/SEISMIC SEA WAVE ADVISORY.
A SEVERE EARTHQUAKE HAS OCCURRED LAT 61N LONG 147.5W VICINITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA AT 0336Z 28 MARCH. IT IS NOT KNOWN REPEAT NOT KNOWN AT THIS TIME THAT A SEA WAVE HAS BEEN GENERATED. YOU WILL BE KEPT INFORMED AS FURTHER INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE. IF A WAVE HAS BEEN GENERATED, ITS ETA FOR THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS/HONOLULU IS 0900Z 28 MARCH.
BT
O 280520Z MAR 64
FM KODIAKSARCOORD
TO USCGC STORIS
USCGC MINNETONKA
USCGC SORREL
USCGC BITTERSWEET
USCGC SEDGE
BT
UNCLAS
STORIS, MINNETONKA, SORREL PROCEED PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND FOR TIDAL WAVE ASSISTANCE. BITTERSWEET PROCEED SEWARD FOR ASSISTANCE. CGC SEDGE PROCEED VALDEZ FOR ASSISTANCE.
BT
O 280528Z MAR 64
FM NORPACSARCOORD
TO NAVBROCEANO HONO
NAVBROCEANO WILMINGTON
NAVOCANO WASH DC
INFO COMALSEAFRON
COMWESTAREA
COMDT COGARD
BT
UNCLAS
SEISMIC ACTIONS
1. CGLORSTA SITKINAK SUFFERED SEVERE DAMAGE 280335Z.
2. WATER REPORTED DRAINING FROM LISIANSKI INLET APPROX 280400Z. WATER
REPORTED DRAINING FROM KODIAK BAY AT 282050W.
3. MARINE OPERATOR REPORTS VALDEZ LEVELED, DOCK DISAPPEARED, BODIES BEING
RECOVERED. WATERFRONT AT SEWARD SET AFIRE.
4. HAM OPERATOR REPORTS WATER COVERING AIRSTRIPS ANCHORAGE AREA.
5. FURTHER INFO AS OBTAINED.
BT
BT
ACS (ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM) KETCHIKAN RECEIVED WORD FROM SEATTLE TO ADVISE KODIAK THAT A TIDAL WAVE IS ON THE WAY TO KODIAK.
BT
P 280537Z MAR 64
FM USCGC STORIS
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
INFO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
1. PROCEEDING TO PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND ON VERBAL ORDERS VIA JOHN R. MANNING
2. POSIT 54-40N 165-04W
BT
O 280540Z MAR 64
FM USCGC BITTERSWEET
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
INFO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
1. UNDERWAY FOR OPEN SEA TO AVOID POSSIBLE TIDAL WAVE.
2. BOSN H.T. COLLINS 28417 IN CHARGE.
3. HAVE ORDERS TO PROCEED SEWARD TO ASSIST.
4. REQUEST ADVISE.
BT
O 280547Z MAR 64
FM NORPACSARCOORD
TO NAVBROCEANO HONO
NAVBROCEANO WILMINGTON
NAVOCEANO WASH DC
INFO COMDT COGARD
COMALSEAFRON
COMWESTAREA
BT
UNCLAS
SEISMIC ACTIONS.
1. HAM OPERATOR YAKUTAGA REPORTS TIDAL WAVE HIT AT 280538Z, MODERATE.
2. NO REPORT OF DAMAGE RECEIVED.
BT
FROM USCGC SEDGE
BT
WE ARE AGROUND IN THE MIDDLE OF KODIAK CHANNEL AT POSIT 60-37.5N 145-41.4W.
WE HAVE A MINUS 30 FT TIDE. WE HAVE COMMUNICATIONS WITH CAPE SARICHEF.
BT
P 280610Z MAR 64
FM CGLTSTA CAPE HINCHINBROOK
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
BT
UNCLAS
EARTHQUAKE
1. 1735W HAD SEVERE EARTH TREMOR. EVACUATED BUILDING. TREMORS CAN STILL
BE FELT EVERY TEN TO FIFTEEN MINUTES. LOUD NOISES CAN BE HEARD,
BELIEVED TO BE ...... NOW LEAVING THE STATION AGAIN. WILL BE BACK WHEN
THE SHAKING STOPS.
BT
NOTE** DUE TO WEAK SIGNAL AND HIGH NOISE LEVEL, PORTIONS AND ACCURACY DOUBTFUL
O 280642Z MAR 64
FM NORPACSARCOORD
TO BROCEANO WASH DC
NAVBROCEANO HONO
NAVBROCEANO WILMINTON
INFO COMDT COGARD
COMWESTAREA
COMALSEAFRON
BT
UNCLAS
SEISMIC ACTIONS
1. ALL EXCEPT 3000 FT AIRSTRIP INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ANCHORAGE REPORTED
OUT DUE TO QUAKE DAMAGE. ELMENDORF FIELD OPERATIONAL. KODIAK FIELD
OPS REPORTED NORMAL.
2. TWO TIDAL WAVES HIT KODIAK AT 0540Z AND 0605Z. MOVED BUILDINGS ON MAIN
STREET.
BT
P 280659Z MAR 64
FM USCGC SEDGE
TO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
1. SEDGE AFLOAT AND UNDERWAY TO VALDEZ. NO APPARENT DAMAGE.
2. WATER NOW 15 FEET BELOW MEAN LOW WATER.
BT
FOLLOWING FROM KXF77 ON KODIAK ISLAND:
BT
"THE WHOLE VILLAGE OF KAIUGNAK HAS BEEN WIPED OUT. THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE STILL DOWN THERE BUT DON'T KNOW HOW MANY GOT AWAY."
BT
O 280720Z MAR 64
FM NORPACSARCOORD
TO NAVOCEANO WASH DC
NAVBROCEANO HONO
NAVBROCANO WILMINGTON
INFO COMDT COGARD
COMWESTAREA
COMALSEAFRON
BT
UNCLAS
1. HAM OPERATOR REPORTS VILLAGE ON KAIUGNAK BAY, KODIAK ISLAND WIPED OUT.
2. WATER REPORTED RISING FAST AT YAKUTAT.
BT
O 280725Z MAR 64
FM COMALSEAFRON
TO CNO (CHIEF, NAVAL OPERATIONS)
CINCPACFLT (COMMANDER-IN-CHARGE, PACIFIC FLEET)
CINCAL (COMMANDER-IN-CHARGE, ALASKA)
COMASWFORPAC (COMMANDER, ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE FORCE, PACIFIC)
COMNAVAIRPAC (COMMANDER, NAVAL AIR, PACIFIC)
BT
UNCLAS
EARTHQUAKE
1. NAVAL STATION AND CITY OF KODIAK EXPERIENCED EARTHQUAKE OF MODERATE
INTENSITY AT 280332Z FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT 5 MINUTES. SOME MINOR
DAMAGE. EXTENT OF MAJOR DAMAGE UNKNOWN. SOME BUCKLING AND SETTLING
OF ROCKY AREA. NO KNOWN CASUALTIES. ASSESSMENTS IN PROGRESS. WILL
KEEP ADVISED.
BT
Z 280726Z MAR 64
FM KODIAK OBSERVER
TO HONOLULU OBSERVATION
BT
UNCLAS
TSUNAMI. HIGH WATER LEVELS REACHED 280435Z ABOUT 15 FEET ABOVE MEAN SEA LEVEL. 280540Z HIGH WATER ABOUT 18 FEET ABOVE MSL. 280630Z ABOUT 15 FEET ABOVE MSL. 280644Z HIGH WATER ABOUT 6 FEET ABOVE MSL. AMPLITUDE RAPIDLY DECREASING. TIDE GAUGE INOPERATIVE SINCE 280332Z. FURTHER COMMUNICATIONS PENDING RESTORATION MAJOR COMMUNICATION LINKS. 280715Z WAVE ACTION ONLY SLIGHT. APPEARS TO BE DAMPENED OUT COMPLETELY.
BT
P 280730Z MAR 64
FM CGLTSTA CAPE ST ELIAS
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
INFO CGC SEDGE
BT
UNCLAS
LOSS OF PERSONNEL
1. 1715W EARTH TIDAL WAVE HIT THIS UNIT. REED, FRANK O. 342-193 EN3
KILLED DURING WAVE. REED WAS DROWNED AND WASHED OUT TO SEA. DAMAGE
TO STATION GROUNDS LIGHT. WILL ATTEMPT REPAIRS.
2. 1805W EVACUATED STATION. THERE HAVE BEEN THREE WAVES HIT THIS AREA.
3. 2130W RETURNED STATION.
BT
P 280740Z MAR 64
FM CGLORSTA SITKINAK
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
INFO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
EARTHQUAKE
1. SMALL TREMORS STILL OCCURRING
2. NO WATER PRESSURE AT STATION DUE TO BROKEN PIPES. ANTICIPATE ABLE TO
RESTORE WATER PRESSURE TO SP BUILDING.
3. NO ELECTRICAL POWER IN BARRACKS HEATING SYSTEM. HEAT AVAILABLE FROM
WATER BOILER ONLY.
4. REEFER UNIT DISABLED, REPAIR ABILITY UNKNOWN.
5. TWO OF THREE CISTERNS CRACKED, LOST WATER. COND OF WATER LINE TO LAKE
UNKNOWN.
6. TRANSFORMER IN TRANSMITTER BUILDING BURNED. FIRE EXTINGUISHED.
7. MAIN BUILDING FOUNDATION SETTLED 5 INCHES. INTERIOR WALLS SERIOUSLY
CRACKED AND SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. CRACKS UP TO 10 INCHES WIDE.
8. CPO AND WARD AREA SUNK 5 INCHES AND FLOODED WITH 1 INCH MUDDY WATER.
GALLEY DECK BUCKLED.
9. STATION FORCE EFFECTING REPAIRS WITHIN ABILITY. RESUMPTION OF LORAN
SIGNAL TOP PRIORITY.
BT
O 280842Z MAR 64
FM CCGDSEVENTEEN
TO NAVBROCEANO HONO
NAVBROCEANO WILMINGTON
NAVOCANO WASH DC
INFO COMDT COGARD
COMALSEAFRON
COMWESTAREA
BT
UNCLAS
SEISMIC ACTIONS
1. FURTHER TREMORS REPORTED CORDOVA AND COGARD LIGHT STATION CAPE
HINCHINBROOK.
2. DOCK COLLAPSED SITKA. WATER FALLING ABNORMALLY JUNEAU AND KETCHIKAN.
BT
FOLLOWING RECEIVED FROM CGLTSTA CAPE HINCHINBROOK ON 2670 KHZ:
"ADVISE THE DISTRICT THAT WE CAN'T STAY IN THE BUILDING ANY LONGER. WE ARE GETTING BAD SHAKES EVERY 10 OR 15 MINUTES AND THE WHOLE ISLAND IS SHAKING. WE WILL BE BACK AS SOON AS IT STOPS."
O 280907Z MAR 64
FM NORPACSARCOORD
TO NAVBROCEANO HONO
NAVBROCEANO WILMINGTON
OCEANO WASH DC
INFO COMALSEAFRON
COMDT COGARD
BT
UNCLAS
SEISMIC ACTIONS
1. WATER AT HOUSE LEVEL IN KLAWAK, PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND.
2. AT 280855Z HINCHINBROOK ISLAND REPORTS MINUS TIDE TO THREE-QUARTER,
PLUS TIDE IN 15 MINUTES.
BT
O 280907Z MAR 64
FM CGLORSTA SITKINAK
TO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
KAGUYAK VILLAGE
1. VILLAGE COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
2. FORTY PERSONS IN HILLS, THREE MISSING.
3. REQUEST AID AND/OR EVACUATION ASAP.
4. INFO RECEIVED FROM F/V SHUYAK WB2994. SHUYAK STANDING BY AT PRESENT.
UNABLE TO ASSIST DUE TO TIDES.
5. OLD HARBOR IN SAME CONDITION AND EQUIP. AND/OR EVAC. ALSO DESIRED.
6. F/V ENROUTE TO ASSIST.
BT
FOLLOWING RECEIVED FROM SS CHENA/KKDW ON 2182 KHZ AT 280913Z:
"THE TOWN OF VALDEZ, ALASKA, JUST BURST INTO FLAMES. THE WHOLE DOCK IS AFIRE AND THE TANKS AT UNION AND THE OTHER DOCKS HAVE STARTED TO BURN. WE ARE ANCHORED 1/2 MILE FROM TOWN."
BT
FOLLOWING RECEIVED FROM CAPE HINCHINBROOK:
"WE STILL ARE GETTING TREMORS EVERY 10 TO 15 MINUTES AND LOUD NOISES. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE CLIFFS ARE FALLING ON TOP OF THE ISLAND. SO FAR, NO INJURIES TO PERSONNEL, BUT THE BUILDING IS SHAKING BADLY. GOT TO LEAVE THE STATION AGAIN. THERE IS AN AWFUL ROAR COMING IN FROM THE SEA NOW. WE WILL CALL BACK"
BT
O 281100Z MAR 64
FM HONOLULU OBSERVATORY
TO AIG 158
BT
UNCLAS
THIS IS BULLETIN NUMBER 004.
THIS IS A TIDAL WAVE/SEISMIC SEA WAVE INFORMATION BULLETIN. THE LARGER WAVES HAVE APPARENTLY PASSED HAWAII. AN ALL CLEAR STATUS FOR HAWAII CAN BE ASSUMED AT 1100Z. ALL PARTICIPANTS IN THE SSAWS SHOULD ASSUME THE ALL CLEAR STATUS TWO HOURS AFTER THEIR PARTICULAR ETA UNLESS LOCAL CONDITIONS WARRANT THE CONTINUANCE OF THE ALERT STATUS. MAXIMUM WAVE HEIGHTS REPORTED BY VARIOUS MEDIA ARE:
OAHU - 8 FEET HAWAII - 6 FEET MIEWAS - 1.5 FEET
KAUAI - 3 FEET KODIAK - 30 FEET CORDOVA - 30 FEET
TOFINO - 8 FEET CRESCENT CITY - 12 FEET
HONOLULU OBSERVATORY.
BT
O 281142Z MAR 64
FM NORPACSARCOORD
TO NAVOCEANO HONO
NAVOCANO WILMINGTON
NAVOCANO WASH DC
INFO COMALSEAFRON
COMWESTAREA
COMDT COGARD
BT
UNCLAS
SEISMIC ACTIVITY
1. CGLORSTA ATTU ISLAND REPORTS UNUSUAL SEISMIC ACTIVITY AT 281130Z.
BT
O 281241Z MAR 64
FM COMALSEAFRON
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
BT
UNCLAS
PLEASE PASS TO GOV. EGAN
PRELIMINARY SURVEY CITY OF KODIAK SHOWS 50% LOSS OF FISHING INDUSTRY, 75% LOSS OF CITY BUSINESS, BUILDINGS. NO WATER, NO POWER, FOOD SUPPLIES 75% DESTROYED. NO REPORTED CASUALTIES. MAYOR DEVEAU REQUEST THAT CITY BE DECLARED A DISASTER AREA AND I CONCUR. WE ARE PROVIDING ALL POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.
RESPECTFULLY, RADM R.E. RIERA, COMALSEAFRON
BT
P 281315Z MAR 64
FM KODIAKSARCOORD
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
BT
UNCLAS
INCOMPLETE INFO VIA SHORE PATROL WALKIE-TALKIE INDICATE ALL PERSONNEL SPRUCE CAPE ARE OK. NO INFO ON MATERIAL.
BT
P 281325Z MAR 64
FM USCGC STORIS
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
INFO CGLORSTA CAPE SARICHEF
BT
UNCLAS
A. YOUR 2281200Z NOTAL
1. CAPE SARICHEF LORSTA REPORTS CONDITIONS NORMAL AT 281302Z.
2. SCOTCH CAP LT ADVISED TO EVACUATE STATION AND DEPARTED FOR HIGHER
GROUNDS. SCOTCH CAP PERSONNEL ADVISED TO REMAIN HIGH GROUNDS UNTIL
APPROX 282200Z. CGC MINNETONKA TO PROVIDE COMMUNICATION RELAY FOR
SCOTCH CAP PORTABLE AND CAPE SARICHEF LORAN. SCOTCH CAP SECURED
PORTABLE RADIO UNTIL EARLY MORNING.
BT
O 281330Z MAR 64
FM COMSEVENTEEN KODIAK ALASKA
TO NAVRADSTA (R) HOLDIAY BEACH
FLEWEACEN KODIAK
NAVCOMMSTA ADAK
NAVCOMMSTA KODIAK
CGAIRDET KODIAK
CGLORSTA ATTU
CGLORSTA CAPE SARICHEF
CGLORSTA SPRUCE CAPE
CGLORSTA SITKINAK
NAVFAC ADAK
NAVSTA ADAK
FAIRBANKS MAGNETIC
BASEOPS SHEMYA
NAVSECGRU CHINIAK
O 280528Z MAR 64
FM NORPACSARCOORD
TO NAVBROCEANO HONO
NAVBROCEANO WILMINGTON
BROCEANO WASH DC
INFO COMALSEAFRON
COMWESTAREA
COMDT COGARD
BT
UNCLAS
SEISMIC ACTIONS
1. CGLORSTA SITKINAK SUFFERED SEVERE DAMAGE 280335Z.
2. WATER REPORTED DRAINING FROM LISIANSKI INLET APPROX 280400Z. WATER
REPORTED DRAINING FROM KODIAK BAY 280850Z.
3. MARINE OPERATOR REPORTS VALDEZ LEVELED, DOCK DISAPPEARED, BODIES BEING
RECOVERED. WATERFRONT AT SEWARD AFIRE.
4. HAM OPERATOR REPORTS WATER COVERING AIRSTRIPS ANCHORAGE AREA.
5. FURTHER INFO AS OBTAINED.
BT
O 281340Z MAR 64
FM KODIAKSARCOORD
TO NORPACSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
SUMMARY SAR EFFORTS NOW UNDERWAY THIS SECTOR AS FOLLOWS:
A. SEDGE ENROUTE VALDEZ
B. BITTERSWEET ENROUTE SEWARD
C. STORIS AND SORREL PROCEEDING TOWARD PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND TO BE DIVERTED
AS INDICATED.
D. MINNETONKA REMAINING CAPE SARICHEF AREA.
E. NAVY TUGS TO USED KODIAK AREA.
F. URGENT BROADCAST FOR ALL VESSELS PROCEEDING NEAREST VILLAGES AND ASSIST
AND REPORT.
G. AIR SURVEY TO DEPART EARLIEST POSSIBLE.
BT
O 281411Z MAR 64
FM COMSEVENTEEN KODIAK ALASKA
TO NAVRADSTA (R) HOLIDAY BEACH
FLEWEACEN KODIAK
NAVCOMMSTA ADAK
NAVCOMMSTA KODIAK
CGAIRDET KODIAK
CGLORSTA ATTU
CGLORSTA CAPE SARICHEF
CGLORSTA SPRUCE CAPE
NAVFAC ADAK
NAVSTA ADAK
FAIRBANKS MAGNETIC
CGLORSTA SITKINAK
SENAV PATRON SHEMYA
BASEOPS SHEMYA
NAVSECGRU CHINIAK
O 280649Z MAR 64
TO AIG 199
BT
UNCLAS
SEISMO
A. MY 280636Z MAR 64.
1. A SEISMIC TIDAL WAVE HAS BEEN GENERATED AND SPREADING OVER THE PACIFIC.
INTENSITY CANNOT BE PREDICTED. COULD CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE.
BT
O 281358Z MAR 64
FM COMSEVENTEEN KODIAK ALASKA
TO NAVRADSTA (R) HOLIDAY BEACH
FLEWEACEN KODIAK
NAVCOMMSTA ADAK
NAVCOMMSTA KODIAK
CGAIRDET KODIAK
CGLORSTA ATTU
CGLORSTA CAPE SARICHEF
CGLORSTA SPRUCE CAPE
CGLORSTA SITKINAK
NAVFAC ADAK
NAVSTA ADAK
FAIRBANKS MAGNETIC
SENAV PARTON SHEMYA
BASEOPS SHEMYA
NAVSECGRU CHINIAK
O 280547Z MAR 64
FM NORPACSARCOORD
TO NAVBROCEANO HONO
NAVBROCEANO WILMINGTON
BROCEANO WASH DC
INFO COMDT COGARD
COMALSEAFRON
COMWESTAREA
BT
UNCLAS
SEISMIC ACTIONS
1. HAM OPERATOR AT YAKUTAGA REPORTS TIDAL WAVE HIT AT 280538Z MODERATE.
2. NO REPORT OF DAMAGE RECEIVED.
BT
P 281430Z MAR 64
FM USCGC SEDGE
TO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
1. ANCHORED VALDEZ. FIRE AND RESCUE PARTY ASHORE. NO DOCK AVAILABLE.
2. VALDEZ AFLAME. HARBOR CLUTTERED WITH HEAVY DEBRIS.
BT
P 281439Z MAR 64
FM NORPACSARCOORD
TO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
1. HAM OPERATOR REPORTS VILLAGE ON KAUGNAK BAY, KODIAK ISLAND WIPED OUT.
2. CONDUCT FIRST LIGHT SURVEILLANCE TO DETERMINE EXTEND OF DAMAGE AND
ASSISTANCE REQUIRED.
BT
P 281451Z MAR 64
FM CCGDSEVENTEEN
TO ALL UNITS UNDER MY COMMAND
BT
UNCLAS
ALL UNIT NUMBER FOUR
EARTHQUAKE AND TIDAL WAVE DAMAGE
1. REPORT BY MESSAGE ALL DAMAGE TO STRUCTURES, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
SUCH AS WATER SUPPLY. NEGATIVE REPORTS REQUIRED.
2. TAKE STEPS TO CONSERVE FUEL, WATER AND FOOD SUPPLIES. LOGISTICS
SCHEDULE MAY BE DELAYED.
3. INCREASE CHLORINATION OF POTABLE WATER WHEREVER POLLUTION IS SUSPECTED.
BOIL DRINKING WATER IN CASES OF KNOWN POLLUTION. CHECK OUT EQUIPMENT
AND ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS WHEREVER DAMAGE OCCURRED. TAKE EXTRA
PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE.
4. ADVISE NATURE OF ASSISTANCE REQUIRED.
BT
P 281534Z MAR 64
FM NORPACSARCOORD
TO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS FAA KODIAK
1. RCC ELMENDORF ADVISES RECEIVING REPORT THAT ONE FAA STATION ON KODIAK
ISLAND AND ANOTHER UNKNOWN FAA STATION ARE UNREPORTED SINCE
COMMENCEMENT OF SEISMIC ACTIVITIES.
2. INVESTIGATE.
BT
O 281532Z MAR 64
FM COMSEVENTEEN KODIAK ALASKA
TO NAVRADSTA (R) HOLIDAY BEACH
FLEWEACEN KODIAK
NAVCOMMSTA ADAK
NAVCOMMSTA KODIAK
CGAIRDET KODIAK
CGLORSTA ATTU
CGLORSTA CAPE SARICHEF
CGLORSTA SITKINAK
CGLORSTA SPRUCE CAPE
NAVFAC ADAK
NAVSTA ADAK
FAIRBANKS MAGNETIC
SENAV PATRON SHEMYA
BASEOPS SHEMYA
NAVSECGRU CHINIAK
O 280649Z MAR 64
TO AIG 99
BT
SEISMO
A. MY 280636Z MAR 64
1. A SEISMIC TIDAL WAVE HAS BEEN GENERATED SPREADING OVER THE PACIFIC.
INTENSITY CANNOT BE PREDICTED. COULD CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE.
BT
P 281553Z MAR 64
FM KODIAKSARCOORD
TO NORPACSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
A. YOUR 281534Z MAR 64.
WOODY ISLAND FAA STATION OK. SHUYAK FAA STATION OK.
BT
O 281545Z MAR 64
FM CGAIRDET KODIAK
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
BT
UNCLAS
EARTHQUAKE AND TIDAL WAVE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT DIFFICULT AT THIS TIME. FOLLOWING IS A ROUGH ESTIMATE:
1. ALL AIRCRAFT EVACUATED AND CONSIDERED OPERATIONAL. C-123 SUFFERED SALT
WATER EMERSION TO APPROX LEVEL FLOOR BOARDS.
2. HANGAR FLOODED SEVERAL TIMES TO MAXIMUM DEPTH OF SIX FEET. ESTIMATE
SEVERE DAMAGE TO ALL SHOP AND MOST ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT. IN ADDITION,
CONSIDERABLE SETTLING OF RAMP AREA MAY MAKE HANGAR INACCESSIBLE FOR
AIRCRAFT UNTIL TEMPORARY REPAIRS CAN BE EFFECTED.
3. SUPPLY BUILDING ALSO FLOODED TO LESSER DEPTH.
4. NO POWER, NO HEAT AVAILABLE, WATER APPEARS TO BE RETURNING TO SERVICE.
5. CAN MAINTAIN SOME AIRCRAFT AVAILABILITY DEPENDENT ON DISCREPANCIES THAT
OCCUR.
6. THREE HU-16s DEPARTING TO SURVEY (A) KODIAK ISLAND (B) EAST COAST KENAI
PENINSULA TO CORDOVA (C) COOK INLET.
7. BELIEVE FUEL WILL BE AVAILABLE BY EXPIRATION FIRST PATROLS.
8. NO KNOWN PERSONNEL INJURIES. DUE EXTREME DIFFICULTIES IN TRAVEL, ONLY
PARTIAL CREW NOW AVAILABLE.
9. ADDITIONAL INFO WILL FOLLOW AS SITUATION CAN BE EVALUATED.
BT
P 281555Z MAR 64
FM USCGC SEDGE
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
EARTHQUAKE, TIDAL WAVES.
1. TOWN OF CHENEGA DESTROYED, HALF OF POPULATION MISSING. THEY REQUIRE
ASSISTANCE BADLY. IF CORDOVA AIRPORT IS OPEN, CORDOVA AIRLINES OR
CORDOVA CAP (CIVIL AIR PATROL) COULD LAND CHENEGA.
2. EXTENT OF ASSISTANCE REQUIRED IN VALDEZ NOT YET DETERMINED.
BT
FM CG 1314
BT
NORTH END OF TOWN (KODIAK), LOWER AREA, HOUSES ARE FLOATING, ONE APPEARS LAKE AREA
BT
P 281600Z MAR 64
FM USCGC SEDGE
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
BT
UNCLAS
A. YOUR 281451Z MAR 64.
1. NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO SEDGE.
2. EXTENT OF LOSS OR DAMAGE TO MATERIAL ASHORE NOT KNOWN.
BT
O 281604Z MAR 64
FM CG 1314
TO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
TIDAL WAVE SURVEY
1. OLD HARBOR SURVIVORS LOCATED ON HIGH GROUND BEHIND VILLAGE. 187
PERSONS IN AREA. F/V MERGANSER, ON 2182 KHZ CAN EVACUATE APPROX 60
PERSONS. NO FOOD OR SHELTER.
2. KAGUYAK COMPLETELY GONE. SURVIVORS ON BEACH. BOATS IN AREA. SUGGEST
NAVY TUG EVACUATE ASAP.
BT
P 281635Z MAR 64
FM USCGC SEDGE
TO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
EARTHQUAKE, TIDAL WAVES.
1. CITY OF SEWARD REPORTS AIRPORT USABLE EXCEPT NORTHERLY 1000 FEET.
REQUEST PASS TO CITY OF ANCHORAGE.
BT
P 281645Z MAR 64
FM USCGC BITTERSWEET
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
INFO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
TO O
ATON (AIDS TO NAVIGATION) STATUS
1. ALL FLOATING AIDS WOMENS BAY AND ST PAUL HARBOR OFF STATION. REMAINDER
IN KODIAK AREA PROBABLY SAME.
2. ALL SHORE AIDS IN AREA CONSIDERED UNRELIABLE.
BT
P 281645Z MAR 64
FM CGLORSTA SITKINAK
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
INFO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
EARTHQUAKE
A. ALL UNITS 004
1. LAST TREMOR FELT 281400Z.
2. MY 280740Z REMAINS EFFECTIVE.
3. BARRACKS AREA UNSAFE DUE TO SEVERELY CRACKED CINDER BLOCK WALLS. MESS
DECK AND SP (SUPPLY) BUILDING SAFE FOR HABITATION.
4. AIRSTRIP GOOD CONDITION.
5. LORAN REMAINS OFF. PROBLEM OF MOVING 3,000 LB TRANSFORMER PENDING.
CAPE CRAWLER OUT OF OPERATION. HYDRAULIC HOSE BURST 2 DAYS AGO.
6. WILL ADVISE LATER TODAY AS TO BASIC SUPPLIES REQUIRED TO RESUME
OPERATION.
7. WATER, ELECTRIC POWER AND HEAT AVAILABLE. NO IMMEDIATE PERSONNEL IN
DANGER.
BT
O P 281700Z MAR 64
FM COMDT COGARD
TO COMWESTAREA
INFO CCGDSEVENTEEN
BT
UNCLAS
FROM PM
1. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE HAS SET UP MEDICAL TEAMS TO ASSIST AS NECESSARY.
CCGD17 TEAMS AVAILABLE IN SEATTLE AND SAN FRANCISCO.
2. SEATTLE CONTACT, DR. MALLORY, USPHS HOSPITAL.
3. USPHS MEDICAL PERSONNEL AVAILABLE AT MT. EDGECOMBE.
BT
P 281715Z MAR 64
FM CG 1314
TO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
TIDAL WAVE SURVEY
1. SURVEY SITKINAK ISLAND. RUNWAY IN GOOD CONDITION, LORSTA REPORTS
BARRACKS AND WARDROOM UNSAFE, NO INJURIES TO PERSONNEL, SUFFICIENT FOOD
AND WATER.
2. BOTH LORAN TRANSMITTER BURNED OUT. WILL ATTEMPT REPAIRS. DO NOT
EXPECT TO BE ON AIR FOR 3 DAYS.
3. LAZY BAY INTACT AND NO SIGN OF PERSONNEL. AKHIOK SURVIVORS ON HIGH
GROUND BEHIND VILLAGE, NEED EVACUATION.
4. TRAP POINT. ONE SURVIVOR OBSERVED, NO OTHERS OBSERVED.
BT
P 281725 MAR 64
FM CG 1271 (THIS PLANE LATER CRASHED ON KODIAK AND KILLED ONE CREWMAN)
TO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
REPORT OF DAMAGE
1. PORT HEIDEN. NO APPARENT DAMAGE. SELDOVIA. DAMAGE LIMITED TO SMALL
BOAT FLOATS, SLIGHT DAMAGE TO PIER STRUCTURE. HOMER RADIO REPORTS
SLIGHT DAMAGE, ONE HOUSE COLLAPSED. NO KNOWN INJURIES. MOST DAMAGE
AT TIME TO MERCHANTS, SUCH AS GLASS BREAKAGE. HOMER HAS FUEL
DISABILITIES. CHROME, NO APPARENT DAMAGE. PORT LOCK, ONE HOUSE WASHED
100 YARDS, NO OTHER DAMAGE. PERIL ISLAND, NO DAMAGE.
2. PROCEEDING TO CHENEGA AND WHITTIER, CHECKING VILLAGES ENROUTE.
3. WX (WEATHER) 1000 OVERCAST, VISIBILITY 10 MILES. WIND LIGHT.
BT
P 281730Z MAR 64
FM CGLTSTA CAPE HINCHINBROOK
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
INFO USCGC SEDGE
BT
UNCLAS
EARTH TREMORS SEVER
1. 0500W HAD EARTH TREMOR THAT SHOOK BUILDING VIOLENTLY. EVACUATED
STATION.
2. TREMORS ARE NOW SLIGHT BUT COMING EVERY 2 TO 3 MINUTES.
3. NO KNOWN STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO BUILDINGS CAN BE SEEN FROM OUTSIDE.
4. WILL REMAIN OUTSIDE OF BUILDINGS UNTIL TREMORS SUBSIDE SOME.
BT
P 281745Z MAR 64
FM KODIAKSARCOORD
TO NORPACSARCOORD
INFO COMASEAFRON
BT
UNCLAS
AERIAL SURVEY SITREP ONE
SOURCE PLACE REMARKS
SEDGE CHENEGA DESTROYED, HALF POPULATION MISSING, REQUIRE
ASSISTANCE, PASSED TO RCC ELMENDORF FOR CAP
(CIVIL AIR PATROL) AT CORDOVA.
1314 KAGUYAK 60 PERSONS REQUIRE NAVY TUG FOR EVAC. PASSED TO
NAVY.
1314 OLD HARBOR 187 PEOPLE ON BEACH. F/V TAKING 60 ON BOARD.
NAVY TO SEND LST.
1271 PORT GRAHAM NO DAMAGE
1271 SELDOVIA DAMAGE LIMITED TO SMALL BOATS. NO STRUCTURAL.
1271 HOMER SLIGHT DAMAGE, NO INJURIES.
1314 CAPE CHINIAK NO DAMAGE.
1314 SPRUCE CAPE LIMITED DAMAGE VISIBLE.
BT
P 281749Z MAR 64
FM CGLTSTA CAPE ST ELIAS
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
INFO USCGC SEDGE
BT
UNCLAS
TREMOR DAMAGE
1. NO SERIOUS DAMAGE THIS UNIT, MINOR DAMAGE IS AS FOLLOWS: ONE LIGHT
CIRCUIT DAMAGED.
2. NEW SUBJECT. WILL NEW MAN BE ASSIGNED THIS UNIT TO FILL VACANCY CAUSED
BY LOST MAN.
3. REQUEST ADVISE.
BT
R 281800Z MAR 64
FM R/V JOHN R. MANNING/WTDG
TO REGIONAL DIRECTOR, U.S. BUREAU COMMERCIAL FISHERIES, JUNEAU, ALASKA
BT
UNCLAS
AK099 ADVISES KODIAK WHARF AND BUILDINGS DESTROYED STOP ANY INSTRUCTIONS STOP JOHN R. MANNING AND CREW OK
SIGNED MASTER
BT
BT
THE F/V MERGANZER IS TAKING OFF 60 TO 70 PERSONS FROM OLD HARBOR VILLAGE AT CITKADAK STRAIT AND REQUESTS TO KNOW THE NAVY TUG'S ETA. THERE ARE ABOUT 180 PERSONS THERE.
BT
P 281815Z MAR 64
FM CG 1271
TO KODIAKSARCOORD
BT
UNCLAS
DAMAGE REPORT
SEWARD, ESTIMATED 50 HOUSES DESTROYED. ALL DOCK AREA DESTROYED. ALL RAILWAY YARD DAMAGED. OIL TANK STILL BURNING. NO COMMUNICATIONS.
BT
P 281815Z MAR 64
FM USCGC SORREL
TO CCGDSEVENTEEN
BT
UNCLAS
EARTHQUAKE SITREP TWO
1. F/V MARLETTE REPORTS VILLAGE OF CHENEGA WIPED OUT. ONLY SCHOOL HOUSE