We were tied between a hundred-plus-foot tender, and three other boats of our own approximate dimensions, at the Wards Cove Packers cannery dock in Lazy Bay, Alitak, Kodiak, when I heard a heavy rumbling, which I at first took to be the big boat next to us firing up their main engines. I was expecting it, I had been told that they were planning to move shortly.

It soon became obvious that the sound was too large to be produced by a mere human contrivance, and it was quickly growing louder. "Earthquake?" I thought, remembering still the roar of the mighty 1964 earth- quake. (I've lived in Alaska all but three years of my life to date, an earthquake must be at least 5 before I even feel it!)

Then, even though our vessels were in thirty feet or more of water, we all felt the shaking, just like on land! The water wiggled for almost a minute; all the cannery worker came boiling out of the plant (which is mounted on 50 foot pilings out over salt water), and headed for safety! That's the first time I've ever felt one in the water; we all went on the alert for tsunami waves; fortunately, none occurred, even though the epicenter was within thirty miles.

There wasn't time to get to deep enough water, some people went onto the beach; but most of us stayed; it did seem like a good time to check out our survival suits, though...