Taiwan to Matsu, Penghu maritime routes suspended due to rough seas

Taipei, Jan. 25 (CNA) Two maritime routes connecting the island of Taiwan to the Matsu Islands and Penghu Islands will be suspended on both Saturday and Sunday due to adverse sea conditions, the Maritime and Port Bureau announced Saturday.

Poor weather and sea conditions in the Taiwan Strait and its proximity have caused the suspensions of ferry service between Keelung and Matsu and Tainan and Penghu on Saturday and Sunday, according to an announcement on the bureau's website.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) issued a strong wind advisory for sea areas on Saturday morning, saying that northeasterly winds would remain strong throughout the day.

Winds averaging levels 6 to 7 on the Beaufort Scale (39-49 km/h to 50-61 km/h) are expected in the northern waters of Taiwan and northern part of the Taiwan Strait, with maximum gusts reaching level 9 (75-88 km/h), the CWA said.

Waters east of Taiwan will be roughest early next week, and the Taitung-Green Island ferry route will be suspended on Jan. 27, while the Taitung-Orchid Island route will be suspended from Jan. 27 to 28, the bureau said.

The bureau urged people planning to visit Green Island and Orchid Island to consider taking earlier ferries before the suspension of service and stay updated on route information before traveling.