LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
Surging waves reached the West Coast of the U.S. yesterday created by the tsunami that was generated by the violent 8.9 earthquake off the coast of Japan. Santa Cruz suffered an estimated $17 million in damage to harbor facilities and infrastructure. 17 vessels are now at the bottom of the ocean and at least 50 more boats were damaged.
In Crescent City, where damage is estimated to top $25 million, repeated surges, some nearing eight feet, tossed boats and left one person dead. The man swept out to sea while photographing the waves has been identified as Dustin Weber, 25, believed to be from Bend, Oregon, reports KTLA. Weber was reportedly with friends near the mouth of the Klamath River.
Many people ignoring Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol and shooting dangerously close to the tide.
This sped-up video of the tsunami surge pouring in and receding from the harbor in Crescent City comes complete with an uncomfortable Chipmunks-esque juxtaposition of ridiculous sounds and chilling images.