Ferries to Xiaoliuqiu May Face Rough Seas; Services Suspended After First Sailing on June 9

(Central News Agency, reporter Li Huiting, Pingtung County, 7th) Affected by a low-pressure system and strengthening southwest winds, five ferry operators serving the Xiaoliuqiu (Liuqiu Island) route are sequentially adjusting their schedules due to increasing waves and wind. On June 9, only the joint service (Dongliu Line Joint Office) will operate two initial sailings; all other services will be suspended. On June 10, Dafu Ferry has announced a suspension, while other operators will make further announcements based on sea conditions.

According to the forecast by the Central Weather Administration for the Donggang-Xiaoliuqiu route, the maximum wave height on June 9 is expected to reach 1.5 meters, with wind force reaching level 5. Today, the five ferry operators successively announced the suspension of services for June 9.

According to the companies' announcements, the Dongliu Line Joint Office will only operate two sailings on June 9: the 7:00 AM departure from Donggang to Xiaoliuqiu and the 7:40 AM departure from Xiaoliuqiu to Donggang. All other sailings and the Yanpu line will be suspended. Taifu Ferry, Lanbai Ferry, Liuxing Company, and Dafu Ferry will be suspended for the entire day on June 9. On June 10, Dafu Ferry has announced a suspension, while other companies will announce their status based on sea conditions.

A bed-and-breakfast operator surnamed Hong told a CNA reporter that they have guests booked for June 8 and 9. After receiving the ferry suspension notice, they proactively contacted the guests. Although the first sailing on June 9 will operate, the guests are still afraid of the rough seas and have all chosen to postpone their stay. (Editor: Huang Mingxi) 1150607