Famous sea arch rock formation collapses in Nova Scotia

Thursday, October 22, 2015, 10:54 AM - A famous Nova Scotia landmark has literally disappeared overnight, prompting locals and visitors to wonder, what happened to the 'hole'?

People have long flocked to admire the iconic sea arch, also known as the 'eye' on Long Island in the Minas Basin.

But when nearby residents awoke Tuesday morning, they discovered the rock formation had dramatically changed overnight.

The hole was gone.

"I looked out the window this morning and I had to look twice," Harold Nesbitt told the CBC. Nesbitt and his wife recently moved to a waterfront home in the area because of the view it offered of the Five Islands, which includes Long Island.

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The opening in the rock face was large enough that kayakers and boaters could pass through it during high tide. The circular hole served as a pass through from the Minas Basin into the Bay of Fundy, the site of the highest tides in the world. 

Just a few weeks ago, the highest tides in 18 years were recorded in the area. Some speculate that this event, combined with the effects of strong, seaside winds and erosion over time likely led to the opening's collapse.

As shown in the images below, the arch of the formation appears to have caved in.

While the Minas Basin remains a popular destination for those seeking to admire ocean views and unique landscapes, the sea arch will be sorely missed.

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"I really am upset about it," Nesbitt said. "I know it's nature and there's nothing you can do about it, but I know that was something unique, something outstanding. I can't change anything, but I simply honestly cannot believe it happened."

Source: CBC

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