PORT ST. MAARTEN – The severe and unusual sea conditions in the North Eastern Caribbean on Monday impacted cargo and cruise operations at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility as well as the Cole Bay depot berthing area.
It is anticipated that sea conditions on Tuesday will be similar to Monday and therefore some vessels have already indicated that they will divert their port calls. Stakeholders will be kept informed with respect to any changes in the aforementioned.
According to the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS), a small craft warning and a high surf warning remains in effect for the country.
The MDS 12.00pm forecast says: An intense low-pressure system well north of the region is generating a northwesterly wind flow, long period swells, and above-normal wave action resulting in hazardous seas across the region.
Hazardous sea conditions will persist for the next several days as long period northwest to northerly swells continue to affect the region. This swell event is expected to peak today, with seas up to 15 feet possible across the Atlantic waters.
Consequently, the high surf warning will remain in effect until 6am tomorrow; and a small craft warning is in effect until further notice. Small craft operators and sea bathers are urged to stay on shore.
Cargo vessels alongside berthing piers were advised to vacate these and head out to sea as a precautionary measure.
The inaugural call of Viking Ocean Cruises cruise ship Viking Sky was cancelled due to the deterioration in sea conditions.
