LARGE waves and strong winds led ferry companies to cancel sailings yesterday and more bad weather is expected.
HD Ferries and Condor Ferries both cancelled some of their services and will be reviewing weather conditions today before sailing.
‘We are expecting four-metre waves in the Channel,’ said Condor Ferries’ Channel Islands manager Yan Milner.
‘All high speed services from the UK have been cancelled because we aren’t allowed to operate in such conditions.’
Condor was able to operate morning ferry services yesterday but had to cancel the afternoon sailings. Today’s sailings are uncertain.
HD hopes to sail again by tomorrow.
‘I would suggest that customers are in a much better position being on land wishing they were on the boat, than being on the boat and wishing they were on land,’ said Max Carling, CEO of HD’s handler Ship & Fly.
‘It is most unfortunate that we are having this unseasonable weather, but the wave heights are exceeding our vessel’s capabilities and it would be very rough for passengers if we did sail.’
Ship & Fly has also said that the situation highlighted the importance of passengers leaving a contactable telephone number.
HD has offered passengers a refund or rebooking and will review the weather before sailing.
Leisure boaters were also warned about the conditions.
‘There are gale-force wind warnings in place around Guernsey,’ said harbour master Captain Peter Gill.
‘The winds will still be force five or six tomorrow [Tuesday] morning. Sailors should judge their own capabilities and skills with this weather before going out. It is not nice weather for boating.’
Jersey Met Office warned the worst may be yet to come.
‘The forecast is deteriorating,’ said spokesman Frank Le Blancq. For those determined to travel, the Travel Trident was expecting to fulfil all its Herm sailings yesterday.
Article posted on 19th August, 2008 - 2.29pm
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