4 January 2012More stormy weather forecast for today Thursday: The shipping forecast is predicting further strong gales today with wind strength fluctuating between severe gale 9 and storm 10 in the channel later. There is a possibility of further disruptions to travel and one would expect a degree of caution from small boats. One yacht had to be rescued on tuesday in the terrible conditions...rescued by several Lifeboats and we believe the Coastguard too, putting lives at risk. Best always to heed the warnings and why this yacht knew nothing of the impending storm is anyone's guess.
Latest operating news just in this minute 09.25 from DFDS..
Latest travel update from DFDS Seaways Dover-France route
DFDS Seaways (formerly Norfolkline) Dover – France ferries are currently operating to schedule.
This may be subject to change, however, due to the adverse weather conditions.
Customers are advised to check-in at the Port a minimum of 45 minutes before their scheduled crossing.
For more information about the DFDS Seaways Dover – France ferry route or to find out the latest sailing times and book tickets, please visit www.dfdsseaways.co.uk or telephone 0871 574 7241.
In the thick of the mid-day gloom.
Tuesday: Horrendous weather swept through the channel today. The Port of Dover made a sterling effort to keep going but when the wind reached violent storm 11 the inevitable closure took place. The picture above shows one of our valiant tug boats in the thick of the mid-day weather trying to keep the Port operational for as long as possible. We were beaten here in Dover by large waves and strong winds and out in the channel a mariner died when a particularly huge wave hit a tanker..such was the strength of the wind out there. A grim day for all.
Below you can see the closed port. Ships that could find shelter did so up along the coast towards Deal. The Port looks bleak below as you can see. It did re-open early afternoon when all returned to relative calm.
The picture left shows what it was like for tankers in the channel...this very long range picture left was taken just after the worst of the weather was over, but you can see still how bad conditions were. It was only later we learned that a mariner onboard a similar tanker lost his life in the dreadful conditions. Very sad indeed. This ship caught the attention because it was being battered unmercifully with the shuddering power of nature. PB.
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