Ferries between Taiwan, outer islands and China suspended due to typhoon

Taipei, July 10 (CNA) Fourteen ferry routes connecting Taiwan proper with its outlying islands and China were suspended Friday due to Typhoon Bavi, affecting 114 sailings, according to the Maritime and Port Bureau (MPB).

The suspended routes were Keelung-Matsu, Nangan Fuao-Fuzhou Langqi, Beigan Baisha-Fuzhou Huangqi, Kinmen-Shijing, Kinmen-Wutong, Fugang-Green Island, Green Island-Chenggong, Fugang-Orchid Island, Orchid Island-Green Island, Houbihu-Orchid Island, Kaohsiung-Magong, Budai-Magong, Donggang-Liuqiu and Yanpu-Liuqiu.

The MPB advised the public not to travel to offshore islands during the typhoon to avoid becoming stranded due to further ferry cancellations.

In a separate statement, the Penghu County government also announced that all ferry services by six different operators serving to and from the county to destinations on Taiwan proper, including Kaohsiung, Chiayi and Tainan, were suspended on Friday.

Although Penghu was outside Bavi's storm radius, northeasterly winds had strengthened due to a channeling effect caused by the typhoon, the Penghu Fire Bureau said.

It warned that winds and rainfall were expected to intensify later Friday night.

The county government also said all flights between Penghu and Taiwan proper scheduled to depart after 3 p.m. Friday would be canceled.