A major earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale struck the Drake Passage late Thursday night, shaking the turbulent waters between South America’s southern tip and Antarctica.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake occurred at 22:16 local time (0216 GMT) at a shallow depth of 10.8 kilometers (6.7 miles). The tremor was initially recorded as magnitude 8.0 before being revised to 7.5.

The epicenter was located about 258 kilometers (160 miles) northwest of Base Frei in Chile’s Antarctic territory and roughly 700 kilometers (435 miles) southeast of Ushuaia, Argentina. Residents in remote parts of southern Chile and Argentina reported feeling the quake, though no major injuries or significant structural damage have been confirmed.

Chile’s Navy Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service briefly issued a tsunami precaution for the Antarctic territory due to the quake’s shallow depth and proximity to coastal waters. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) later clarified that no tsunami threat existed for Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, or other regions after assessing seismic and oceanographic data. While the PTWC warned that hazardous waves could have occurred within 300 kilometers of the epicenter, no tsunami materialized.

The quake’s shallow depth amplified shaking near the epicenter, though its isolated location minimized the impact on populated areas. Several aftershocks have since been recorded, the strongest reaching magnitude 6.4. Authorities confirmed these aftershocks posed no tsunami risk.

Chile’s National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED) urged coastal residents to remain alert but issued no evacuation orders.

The Drake Passage, notorious for its rough seas, is part of a geologically active zone where the South American and Antarctic tectonic plates interact. This movement, shaped over millions of years, has made the region prone to powerful seismic events.

According to the USGS, this earthquake ranks among the most significant seismic events of 2025. It was briefly considered the world’s first magnitude 8.0 earthquake in nearly four years before being revised downward. (ILKHA)