Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits northeast of Georgetown, Saint Helena
A shallow M5.5 earthquake was recorded at 06:43 UTC on June 20, 2026, about 160 km (99 miles) northeast of Georgetown, Saint Helena. The hypocenter was determined at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), according to data reviewed by USGS.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 13.3°S, 7.0°W, in the South Atlantic Ocean, placing it far offshore and northeast of the main island of Saint Helena. Georgetown is the nearest populated area, though no populated islands are directly adjacent to the epicenter.
Given its offshore and remote location in the South Atlantic, nearby critical infrastructure is minimal. Maritime navigation lanes may cross near the region, but there are no major ports, airports, or densely populated settlements close to the epicenter.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its offshore location and available data.
USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity is III, with a significance index of 465 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
The South Atlantic region, including areas around Saint Helena, lies away from major plate boundaries and is generally characterized by low to moderate seismicity. Earthquakes in this zone are commonly intraplate events related to mid-ocean ridge or transform fault activity.
This information was last updated at 07:11 UTC on June 20, 2026.