| Date of Incident | 7/11/2004 |
|---|---|
| Time | 6:00PM |
| Location: Physical Description | Shoup Bay, Prince William Sound, Alaska |
| Reporting a | Incident |
| Type | Ocean |
| Water Conditions | No wind, calms seas |
| Weather Conditions | Temp 60’s; no wind; sunny skies, unlimited visibility |
| Boat Type | Sea Kayaks – one single fiberglass, one double (Folbot) |
| Motorized? | No |
| Number of People | 2 males, 1 female, 1 child |
| Number of People Wearing Life Jackets | None, not applicable – onshore |
| Other Safety Equipment Used | |
| Event Description | Our party of 4 (3 adults, one 4-year old child) had landed our boats and moved boats and gear 50′ inland. While shuttling gear further inland to our campsite, we were hit by a “mini-tsunami”. After several days of torrential rains, and a full day of warm temps and sunshine, Shoup Glacier made a massive surge into Shoup Bay Lagoon; resulting in a massive calving event that lasted several minutes. The water displacement from the calving event created a small tsunami which resulted in a 6 foot high wave that traveled approx. 350 feet inland. |
| Event Outcome | The three adults (plus boats and gear) were dragged and pummeled by the wave. Since we were now shore-based, we were not wearing life jackets and it was a struggle to stay on the surface of the wave as it continuously dragged us under and slammed us into the beach and rocks. As the wave reached its maximum inland extent, we were able to get out of the water. We were scrapped, bruised, bleeding lightly on arms and legs, and clothing was torn (no broken bones, concussions, or other serious injuries).
Boats were damaged slightly but still useable (folding kayak required subsequent frame part replacements and repairs to hull and decking). Gear was scattered on beach and pulled back into the bay by receding water. We lost some items (food, clothing, and other minor items). Cameras were submerged and destroyed. By sheer luck, the child was not hit by the wave (it would have been fatal – either from trauma or drowning). We didn’t change our plans but we were super vigilant of any subsequent calving events. A separate nearby kayaking party came to our assistance and helped retrieve gear, and assess injuries and the potential need for professional assistance (none required). Reported by Joe Meehan |
