A 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the Drake Passage near Chile’s Antarctic territory on Friday, followed by aftershocks of 5.1 and 5.0. Chilean authorities have issued a minor tsunami warning and precautionary measures for personnel in the region.

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The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the main earthquake at 22:16 local time (02:16 GMT Friday) in the waters between Antarctica and Cape Horn. Two aftershocks followed, measuring 5.1 at 03:17 GMT and 5.0 at 05:18 GMT, both occurring at depths around 10 kilometers.

Chile’s National Seismological Center at the University of Chile identified the epicenter 258 kilometers northwest of the Chilean Antarctic Base Frei, with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale. The Center issued an alert via its social media account X.

The Chilean Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) issued a minor tsunami warning for the Antarctic coastline, placing the territory under a state of “precaution.” Waves could affect the Prat and O’Higgins bases.

The National Office for Emergency Prevention and Response (Senapred) recommended that personnel and residents evacuate beaches, rocky shores, wetlands, estuaries, river mouths, coastal walkways, marinas, roads along the coast, coves, ports, and piers within the Chilean Antarctic territory.

Authorities continue to monitor the area for additional seismic activity and potential tsunami risks, emphasizing safety measures for personnel stationed in the Antarctic bases.

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