Ferries between Taiwan and outer islands to be suspended due to typhoon

Taipei, July 6 (CNA) Ferry services between the island of Taiwan and Green and Orchid Islands off Taiwan's southeast coast will be suspended from noon Wednesday as a safety precaution with powerful Typhoon Bavi approaching the area.

According to ferry operators, the round-trip Taitung County-Orchid Island (Lanyu) and Houbihu (Pingtung County)-Orchid Island services that depart from ports in Taiwan at 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. will still run, but services after that will be suspended through Saturday.

Ferry services between Taitung and Green Island will also be suspended from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday.

In a statement, the Maritime and Port Bureau (MPB) urged travelers to take advantage of the remaining ferry services to return to Taiwan before the suspension takes effect and postpone trips to the outlying islands.

It also recommended that travelers and the islands' residents stay updated on the latest ferry schedules and operator announcements.

Based on the Central Weather Administration's latest forecast, Bavi, which the United States government's Joint Typhoon Warning Center is describing as a super typhoon, is expected to hit Taiwan the hardest from Friday to Saturday as it approaches the country.