SOUTH Sea Cruises suspended their Yasawa operations after a directive from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji yesterday.
In its travel advisory, South Sea Cruises confirmed all of its Yasawa operations through Awesome Adventures had been suspended until further notice.
“South Sea Cruises and Awesome Adventures will be liaising throughout the day with MSAF to ascertain when this suspension will likely be lifted and we’ll advise all resorts, customers and industry partners with a further update,” the tourists transfer company stated.
Its Mamanuca operations remain open but with strict guidelines from MSAF.
“Further to the same marine notice issued by MSAF and regarding Mamanuca, vessels greater than 15 metres can continue operations which means South Sea Cruises will continue to operate as scheduled.
“Please note that should conditions deteriorate or the embarking or disembarking of customers by tender vessel be deemed unsafe then South Sea Cruises and Awesome Adventures may suspend or amend services with little or no notice.”
Meanwhile, Port Denarau Marina had activated its cyclone emergency plan as news of the approaching cyclone broke.
Marina chief executive officer Cynthia Rasch said they had informed all occupants of the impending adverse weather.
“Our flag warning system is flown from our main waterside flagstaff to alert operators and users of the marina that we are tracking a cyclone,” Ms Rasch said.
“There are various levels — stage 1 is an alert and monitoring of a tropical depression in Fiji waters, stage 2 is a warning that we are monitoring a cyclone in Fiji waters and stage 3 is warning that a cyclone or tsunami is imminent and to evacuate the marina.
“Vessels have been advised to engage their cyclone plans. If they are comfortable to move into the mangrove shelter or be hauled out, they have been advised to do so from Wednesday.”
