November 24, 1539 Tsunami: Cabo DE Higueras, Honduras

23:00 Local time. Latitude and longitude are approximate. There are conflicting reports as to location. This event likely originated in the northern part of Honduras rather than Belize, as the description references "Higueras" which is an early name for an area Columbus explored in 1502, known to be in present-day Honduras. This would be approximately 16 Lat, -86 Lon. Lander et al. (Reference #537) reports: "Sailors in three ships 160 km off Cabo de Higueras in Northern Honduras reported a shaking of the sea and headed for shore. Reportedly the sailors described the shock as crashing against the rocks. An earth movement began at the river mouth, and advanced, slowly wiping out massive amounts of land 84 m north to south, and ruining a large house. The shaking reportedly lasted many hours. Earthquake effects were reported in the region of the Gulf of Honduras." Molina (Reference #273) reports a seaquake.

1538, November 24, 23:00 local time. Honduras: cabo de Higueras and Golfo de Honduras. 16.2 N, 88.5 W. Molina reported a local tsunami due to an earthquake at Belize, with effects along Golfo de Honduras, generated in the North American-Caribbean Plates Boundary tectonic region. "A violent seaquake" felt by sailors aboard three ships, 40 leagues [160 km] off Cab0 de Higueras, who were waiting for violent El Norfe winds to cease, feared damage because "the sea shook and felt as if they had crashed against rocks. Feldman, citing Pkrez [1851], said, "In fear that the sea was against them," the flotilla turned and headed for port. Movement that began at the "edge of the rivers" advanced, slowly along 84 meters from N-S, wiping out massive amounts of land. Arce et al., 1998; Feldman, 1993; Fernhdez et d., 1993; Grases, 1990; Molina, 1997; Montessus de Ballore, 1888; Rojas et d., 1993; Sutch Osieki, 1981. V4 (reference #1492)