June 6, 1917 Tsunami: East Australia

An ocean phenomenon occurred on Wednesday night, when, although calm atmospheric conditions prevailed, the ocean suddenly became agitated, and mountainous seas were running within a few hours time. This phenomenon was experienced along the coast from Cape Moreton to Port Macquarie yesterday, and it is surmised that it must have been either due to the tropical disturbance then operating a considerable distance off the Queensland coast, or to the tidal wave caused by some submarine upheaval. The following interesting reference appeared in the notes issued from the divisional meteorological office today:-"So far as the meagre data that are available, these indicate that a curious marine phenomenon was experienced the night before last along the eastern coastline of the continent, between Cape Moreton and Port Macquarie but was not associated with a tropical disturbance; its centre was too far away to the eastward, and it did not develop a dangerous cyclonic intensity. The sea disturbance must, therefore, have been the result of some submarine upheaval. It now appears that, in connection with the disturbance, six boats anchored at Yellow Patch, near Cape Moreton, experienced a very rough time. Two of them each suffered about £300 loss, neither craft being insured. (reference #14300)