Today in History: Earthquake destroyed Jamaican pirate haven, killing thousands
In the 17th century, Port Royal was known throughout the New World as the headquarters of piracy, smuggling and debauchery.
The earthquake struck on the morning of 7 June 1692, leading to a tsunami that devastated the infamous town of Port Royal, which was a known haven for piracy.
Port Royal was built on a small island off the coast of Jamaica, in the harbour opposite the present-day city of Kingston.
Many of the buildings where the 6 500 residents lived and worked were constructed right over the water.
Port Royal was often described throughout the 17th century as the “most wicked and sinful city in the world” as well as “one of the lewdest in the Christian world”.
Earthquakes in the area were not uncommon, but were usually rather small. For example, in 1688, a tremor toppled only three homes.
But four years later, late in the morning of 7 June 1692, three powerful quakes struck the island nation of Jamaica.
A large tsunami caused by the quakes hit soon after, putting half of Port Royal under 40ft (12m) of water.
A large ship, the HMS Swan, was carried by the water from the harbour and left on top of a building further inland that became a refuge for the survivors of the disaster.
Residents also soon discovered that the island of Port Royal was not made of bedrock. Instead it was rather loose soil, which turned to near liquid during the quake, due to the amount of water. Many buildings literally sank into the ground.
In the aftermath, virtually every building in the city was declared uninhabitable, including two forts.
Corpses from the cemetery floated in the harbour alongside recent victims of the disaster.
On the main island, Spanish Town was also demolished.
Even the north side of the island experienced a great tragedy when 50 people were killed in a landslide.
In all, about 3 000 people lost their lives on 7 June.
There was little respite after the disaster however, as widespread looting began that evening and thousands more died in the following weeks due to sickness and injury.
Aftershocks further discouraged the survivors from rebuilding Port Royal.
Instead, the city of Kingston, which to this day remains the largest city in Jamaica, was built.
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