if you had warning of a impending tidal wave ,,,,would it be a good idea to head to sea in a boat ?

Question

All the roads all jammed with traciffic as people try to head in land in cars, buses,on foot bicyles ,trucks and you are in a coastal city. You have 45 minutes before its hits and you are miles form the nearest airport

Answer 1

Depending on how far out to sea you can get and how deep the water is, you would have excellent chances for survival. In a tsunami, the energy in the water is being transmitted through a very deep column, so there is very little wave height in deep water. As the wave approaches land and the water gets shallow, the energy is forced upward and the wave begins to form in height. If you are at sea you would probably not notice it passing.

Answer 2

Well, now that depends on your question - did you truly MEAN Tidal Wave, or Tsunami? If Tidal wave, no, you would NOT want to head to sea, because a tidal wave is already a wave, and it would smash almost any craft trying to get over the top of it, as you would be heading towards it.
A Tsunami is basically an underwater wave, so anything passing over it further out is fairly safe. How far out? I'd say at the least a few miles, once you get to 40-100 foot depth, you won't have much problem with wave height until it's closer to land.
- The Gremlin Guy -

Answer 3

I just agree with the first answer on this. Drop everything and make a run for high ground. IF, I was already in a boat I may make a run for an inland river or protected spot, but, if my distance from shore was too far then I would have no choice than to batten down and charge into the Battle!

Answer 4

Only if you want to be assured of dying. Most tidal waves only cover the immediately area not the entire state. Just traveling away from the coast line
will increase your chance of survival.

Answer 5

cat38 tells it true......if you can get far enough out into deep enough water, you are fine....for example here in St Thomas 45 minutes by high speed power boat is into 1,000 foot deep water and you would barely notice the wave passage......in fact since STT is in a VERY active seismic zone, out to sea is Plan 1A......, now if in 45 minutes you can only get to water 100 foot deep...........er, did you see "The Perfect Storm"?

Answer 6

this is where you need to find some high ground and heading out to sea is not the answer ......... trying to out-guess a tidal wave is not a science .... going to high ground is sensible ....