1964 ALASKA EARTHQUAKE RADIO TRAFFIC

Contributed by John Smith

Z 280345Z MAR 64

FM USCGC SEDGE

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

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.

O 280408Z MAR 64

FM CGLORSTA SITKINAK

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

INFO CGLORSTA ST PAUL

CGLORSTA PORT CLARENCE

CGLORSTA ADAK

CGLORSTA ATTU

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.

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.

O 280412Z MAR 64

FM NORPACSARCOORD

TO KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

P 280428Z MAR 64

FM CGAD KODIAK

TO USCGC SEDGE

BT UNCLAS

MOVE TO OPEN WATER.

RECEIVED FROM PILOT POINT AND F/V MARPET

"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.

THE MARPET IS STANDING BY ON 2182 AND REQUESTS IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE

P 280437Z MAR 64

FM KODIAKSARCOORD

TO USCGC BITTERSWEET

USCGC SEDGE

UNCLAS

TIDAL WAVE WARNING

1. PROCEED TO OPEN WATER UNTIL FURTHER ADVISED.

2. PROCEED DIRECTION PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND FOR POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE.

O 280502Z MAR 64

FM HONOLULU OBSERVATORY

TO AIG 158

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.

O 280520Z MAR 64

FM KODIAKSARCOORD

TO USCGC STORIS

USCGC MINNETONKA

USCGC SORREL

USCGC BITTERSWEET

USCGC SEDGE

UNCLAS

STORIS, MINNETONKA, SORREL PROCEED PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND FOR TIDAL WAVE ASSISTANCE. BITTERSWEET PROCEED SEWARD FOR ASSISTANCE. CGC SEDGE PROCEED VALDEZ FOR ASSISTANCE.

O 280528Z MAR 64

FM NORPACSARCOORD

TO NAVBROCEANO HONO

NAVBROCEANO WILMINGTON

NAVOCANO WASH DC

INFO COMALSEAFRON

COMWESTAREA

COMDT COGARD

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.

ACS (ALASKA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM) KETCHIKAN RECEIVED WORD FROM SEATTLE TO ADVISE KODIAK THAT A TIDAL WAVE IS ON THE WAY TO KODIAK.

P 280537Z MAR 64

FM USCGC STORIS

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

INFO KODIAKSARCOORD

UNCLAS

1. PROCEEDING TO PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND ON VERBAL ORDERS VIA JOHN R. MANNING

2. POSIT 54-40N 165-04W

O 280540Z MAR 64

FM USCGC BITTERSWEET

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

INFO KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

O 280547Z MAR 64

FM NORPACSARCOORD

TO NAVBROCEANO HONO

NAVBROCEANO WILMINGTON

NAVOCEANO WASH DC

INFO COMDT COGARD

COMALSEAFRON

COMWESTAREA

UNCLAS

SEISMIC ACTIONS.

1. HAM OPERATOR YAKUTAGA REPORTS TIDAL WAVE HIT AT 280538Z, MODERATE.

2. NO REPORT OF DAMAGE RECEIVED.

FROM USCGC SEDGE

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.

P 280610Z MAR 64

FM CGLTSTA CAPE HINCHINBROOK

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

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.

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

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.

P 280659Z MAR 64

FM USCGC SEDGE

TO KODIAKSARCOORD

UNCLAS

1. SEDGE AFLOAT AND UNDERWAY TO VALDEZ. NO APPARENT DAMAGE.

2. WATER NOW 15 FEET BELOW MEAN LOW WATER.

FOLLOWING FROM KXF77 ON KODIAK ISLAND:

"THE WHOLE VILLAGE OF KAIUGNAK HAS BEEN WIPED OUT. THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE STILL DOWN THERE BUT DON'T KNOW HOW MANY GOT AWAY."

O 280720Z MAR 64

FM NORPACSARCOORD

TO NAVOCEANO WASH DC

NAVBROCEANO HONO

NAVBROCANO WILMINGTON

INFO COMDT COGARD

COMWESTAREA

COMALSEAFRON

UNCLAS

1. HAM OPERATOR REPORTS VILLAGE ON KAIUGNAK BAY, KODIAK ISLAND WIPED OUT.

2. WATER REPORTED RISING FAST AT YAKUTAT.

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)

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.

Z 280726Z MAR 64

FM KODIAK OBSERVER

TO HONOLULU OBSERVATION

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.

P 280730Z MAR 64

FM CGLTSTA CAPE ST ELIAS

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

INFO CGC SEDGE

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.

P 280740Z MAR 64

FM CGLORSTA SITKINAK

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

INFO KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

O 280842Z MAR 64

FM CCGDSEVENTEEN

TO NAVBROCEANO HONO

NAVBROCEANO WILMINGTON

NAVOCANO WASH DC

INFO COMDT COGARD

COMALSEAFRON

COMWESTAREA

UNCLAS

SEISMIC ACTIONS

1. FURTHER TREMORS REPORTED CORDOVA AND COGARD LIGHT STATION CAPE

HINCHINBROOK.

2. DOCK COLLAPSED SITKA. WATER FALLING ABNORMALLY JUNEAU AND KETCHIKAN.

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

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.

O 280907Z MAR 64

FM CGLORSTA SITKINAK

TO KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

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."

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"

O 281100Z MAR 64

FM HONOLULU OBSERVATORY

TO AIG 158

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.

O 281142Z MAR 64

FM NORPACSARCOORD

TO NAVOCEANO HONO

NAVOCANO WILMINGTON

NAVOCANO WASH DC

INFO COMALSEAFRON

COMWESTAREA

COMDT COGARD

UNCLAS

SEISMIC ACTIVITY

1. CGLORSTA ATTU ISLAND REPORTS UNUSUAL SEISMIC ACTIVITY AT 281130Z.

O 281241Z MAR 64

FM COMALSEAFRON

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

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

P 281315Z MAR 64

FM KODIAKSARCOORD

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

UNCLAS

INCOMPLETE INFO VIA SHORE PATROL WALKIE-TALKIE INDICATE ALL PERSONNEL SPRUCE CAPE ARE OK. NO INFO ON MATERIAL.

P 281325Z MAR 64

FM USCGC STORIS

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

INFO CGLORSTA CAPE SARICHEF

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.

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

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.

O 281340Z MAR 64

FM KODIAKSARCOORD

TO NORPACSARCOORD

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.

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

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.

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

UNCLAS

SEISMIC ACTIONS

1. HAM OPERATOR AT YAKUTAGA REPORTS TIDAL WAVE HIT AT 280538Z MODERATE.

2. NO REPORT OF DAMAGE RECEIVED.

P 281430Z MAR 64

FM USCGC SEDGE

TO KODIAKSARCOORD

UNCLAS

1. ANCHORED VALDEZ. FIRE AND RESCUE PARTY ASHORE. NO DOCK AVAILABLE.

2. VALDEZ AFLAME. HARBOR CLUTTERED WITH HEAVY DEBRIS.

P 281439Z MAR 64

FM NORPACSARCOORD

TO KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

P 281451Z MAR 64

FM CCGDSEVENTEEN

TO ALL UNITS UNDER MY COMMAND

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.

P 281534Z MAR 64

FM NORPACSARCOORD

TO KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

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

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.

P 281553Z MAR 64

FM KODIAKSARCOORD

TO NORPACSARCOORD

UNCLAS

A. YOUR 281534Z MAR 64.

WOODY ISLAND FAA STATION OK. SHUYAK FAA STATION OK.

O 281545Z MAR 64

FM CGAIRDET KODIAK

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

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.

P 281555Z MAR 64

FM USCGC SEDGE

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

FM CG 1314

NORTH END OF TOWN (KODIAK), LOWER AREA, HOUSES ARE FLOATING, ONE APPEARS LAKE AREA

P 281600Z MAR 64

FM USCGC SEDGE

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

UNCLAS

A. YOUR 281451Z MAR 64.

1. NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO SEDGE.

2. EXTENT OF LOSS OR DAMAGE TO MATERIAL ASHORE NOT KNOWN.

O 281604Z MAR 64

FM CG 1314

TO KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

P 281635Z MAR 64

FM USCGC SEDGE

TO KODIAKSARCOORD

UNCLAS

EARTHQUAKE, TIDAL WAVES.

1. CITY OF SEWARD REPORTS AIRPORT USABLE EXCEPT NORTHERLY 1000 FEET.

REQUEST PASS TO CITY OF ANCHORAGE.

P 281645Z MAR 64

FM USCGC BITTERSWEET

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

INFO KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

P 281645Z MAR 64

FM CGLORSTA SITKINAK

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

INFO KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

O P 281700Z MAR 64

FM COMDT COGARD

TO COMWESTAREA

INFO CCGDSEVENTEEN

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.

P 281715Z MAR 64

FM CG 1314

TO KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

P 281725 MAR 64

FM CG 1271 (THIS PLANE LATER CRASHED ON KODIAK AND KILLED ONE CREWMAN)

TO KODIAKSARCOORD

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.

P 281730Z MAR 64

FM CGLTSTA CAPE HINCHINBROOK

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

INFO USCGC SEDGE

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.

P 281745Z MAR 64

FM KODIAKSARCOORD

TO NORPACSARCOORD

INFO COMASEAFRON

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.

P 281749Z MAR 64

FM CGLTSTA CAPE ST ELIAS

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

INFO USCGC SEDGE

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.

R 281800Z MAR 64

FM R/V JOHN R. MANNING/WTDG

TO REGIONAL DIRECTOR, U.S. BUREAU COMMERCIAL FISHERIES, JUNEAU, ALASKA

UNCLAS

AK099 ADVISES KODIAK WHARF AND BUILDINGS DESTROYED STOP ANY INSTRUCTIONS STOP JOHN R. MANNING AND CREW OK

SIGNED MASTER

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.

P 281815Z MAR 64

FM CG 1271

TO KODIAKSARCOORD

UNCLAS

DAMAGE REPORT

SEWARD, ESTIMATED 50 HOUSES DESTROYED. ALL DOCK AREA DESTROYED. ALL RAILWAY YARD DAMAGED. OIL TANK STILL BURNING. NO COMMUNICATIONS.

P 281815Z MAR 64

FM USCGC SORREL

TO CCGDSEVENTEEN

UNCLAS

EARTHQUAKE SITREP TWO

1. F/V MARLETTE REPORTS VILLAGE OF CHENEGA WIPED OUT. ONLY SCHOOL HOUSE