Strong winds suspend boat service to Phu Quoc

Vo Minh Tuan, deputy director of Kien Giang Province’s Maritime Administration, said services between the mainland and Phu Quoc, Nam Du and Hon Son islands were halted at 6 a.m. Friday after wind speeds over the sea increased to 50-74 kph.

On average, there are 30 daily ferry and boat trips carrying tourists from Kien Giang’s Rach Gia and Ha Tien towns to Phu Quoc, a tourist hotspot famous for its long beaches and luxury resorts.

Boat operators contacted customers and agents to refund or reschedule tickets.

According to the Southern Hydro-meteorological Center, an increase in high atmospheric pressure along with low pressure over the southern part of the East Sea caused strong winds and waves three to five meters high.

It said the southern coast should expect strong winds for the next 24-48 hours.

Three weeks ago strong winds and rough seas similarly caused a suspension of services to Phu Quoc. Even flights could not take off or land, leaving passengers stranded for almost one day.