On 8 December 1889 the Gargano promontory was struck by a a damaging earthquake (VII MCS) struck with epicentre close to Lago di Varano. The shaking was felt through central Italy (Baratta, 1901). Shortly after the earthquake “strong tsunami” was reported at the Fortore river mouth (Baratta, 1936); at Termoli and Mattinata the sea became disturbed (Anonymous, 1889). I = 3, R = 2.