Vinalhaven, Maine – Residents along Maine’s midcoast reported an unusual wake-up call Tuesday morning after a rare offshore earthquake struck near Vinalhaven. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a magnitude 2.5 quake at 3:49 a.m. Eastern time, centered about 4 kilometers southwest of the island.
According to the USGS, the earthquake originated at a depth of just over 10 kilometers. While no damage or injuries have been reported, more than two dozen people submitted “Did You Feel It?” responses online, with light shaking noted along parts of the Penobscot Bay region.
Small earthquakes are not unheard of in New England, but quakes of this size remain rare, especially along Maine’s coastal islands. Residents in Rockland, Camden, and surrounding Knox County communities reported brief rumbling sounds and light vibration. The quake was not strong enough to trigger tsunami alerts or structural risk, but emergency managers advised residents to remain aware of aftershocks, which occasionally follow.
The event serves as a reminder that earthquakes, while uncommon, are possible across the Northeast. Experts say residents should know basic precautions, such as securing heavy items in homes and being aware of safe cover spots during shaking.
USGS officials will continue to monitor seismic activity in the region, but for now, Tuesday’s early morning tremor appears to be an isolated event.
