January 9, 1926 Tsunami: Bernard, ME, United States

A non-seismically generated landslide is a possibility. No earthquake was reported or recorded on this date at this location. However, rumbling sounds were herd at Vinalhaven Island, and islanders thought that they felt shocks.

A wave was reported at Bernard, a ripple at Vinalhaven, and a wave at Corea, all about the same time. Vinalhaven is about 40 km southwest of Bernard, and Corea is about 40 km northwest. K.F. Mather, seismologist at Harvard University suggested that "it was possible that the outgoing tide had carried a rough ice with it to form a dam at the head of the ragged inlet which forms the harbor and that the incoming tide had broken this dam and caused the sudden inrush of water" (Reference #3929). His theory was stated in the newspaper before it was known that the wave was also observed at other places.

In an update to the event, Reference #3929 stated: "Old fishermen agreed that the phenomenon was probably known as a "bore" wave. Conflicting tides, high winds and the configuration of the shore were suggested as possible causes, but thus far no definite explanation has been offered."

Reference #3931 mentions the event, and, in the weather section, mentions a snow storm that left up to 4 to 21 inches of snow in Boston, Rutland, VT, Waterville, ME, Augusta, ME, and Burlington, VT. Weather might be considered as a causative factor in the event.