May 8, 1805 Tsunami: Norfolk Island, Australia

A private Letter from Norfolk Island describes the extraordinary rise of the water that took place the 8th of May last in the following words. "At half past three in the afternoon, it being then almost low water, an unprecedented efflux took place in the channel which though seldom containing less water than from 2 to 3 fathoms, in the space of two- minutes were left dry, then the water flowing suddenly, beat up against the Barracks, which are more than 20 yards beyond the high water mark, returning with extreme rapidity to its former distance. At each recoil of this tremendous surf the whole space between the channel further than Blockade was laid nearly bare, so as to discover frightful rocks and fragments, that before had never been visible. The water dashed against the barrack pale, & at the next returned reached to their very top, in one dreadful mass threatening destruction to the whole town; and our fears suggested, that had it then broke upon us its fury must have been irresistible: this happily was not the case, though many houses were much damaged, and one swept totally away. This rage of the element continued the whole night; nor did the tide recover its usual flow until the third day following. Between us and the Little Island many rocks appeared at intervals which had ever before been secreted from the eye by a depth of water. In Pigrun Bay, from the exposed situation of which such a rapid surf would be less unaccountable, no difference was visible, nor was any part of the Island, to the eastward of Far Bay, at all affected, tho' an easterly wind prevailed almost the whole time." (ref #11623)

A private letter received by the Ferret from Norfolk Island, of May 23 says, "the weather has for many weeks past been frightfully tempestuous, insomuch that no boat could at any time with safety put off from the shore; and on the 11th of the present month it were the most serious and distressing appearance, exhibiting a phenomon at the same time never before witnessed. At half past four in the afternoon, then low water, the surf began to beat with unusual violence and rapidity, at frequent intervals occasioning an influx into the town of 16 feet perpendicular height; the consequences of which were severely felt by the houses in the lower row, the backs of which were beat down and washed away with the surf, which with equal velocity returned to the low water mark. It continued thus, with little abatement, until one in the morning of the 12th, when happily the consternation was removed with its cause; but during the continuance of which every building within the possible reach of the exasperated element was emptied of its contents. A number of inhabitants have suffered by the deluge, which, had it unfortunately happened at high tide, it is supposed must have swept away the whole town of Sydney (ref #11624)

In the month of May, 1805, Norfolk Island experienced a considerable influx of the sea, which, from the extraordinary nature of the occurrence, is worthy of mention. The tide first ebbed to a great distance; when, suddenly, an unusual swell was seen coming in, which occasioned considerable alarm to the colony, to whom such a circumstance was entirely novel: it rose to a great height, and retired to its channel. A second time it revisited the shore, and flowed to a more considerable height than before: a second time it retreated; and once again returned, with a fury surpassing its former efforts; paralyzing the spectators with terror, who were unable to imagine where the extraordinary swellings might pause. For the last time, however, the ocean left the shores, without having caused any material damage; and, in its regress, it opened the secrets of the deep, and displayed to "mortal ken" rocks which had remained until now undiscovered. (ref #11622)

Many houses damaged and one totally swept away (reference #14293)