Rough sea stops 25 ships outside ports

The ports have been at a complete standstill over the past three days because of the strong wind and rough sea, with no less than 25 ships, including one carrying a consignment of gas cylinders, waiting to enter Grand Harbour.

On Tuesday night, when wind gusts reached Force 11, several ships in port broke their mooring.

Ports Director Charles Schembri said the service of tug boats and patrol boats was required to assist the ships.

Contacted yesterday, Mr Schembri said weather conditions over the past three days were adverse to normal port operations in view of the safety of personnel and ships.

Conditions were no better yesterday although it is forecast that the weather will improve today, Mr Schembri said.

The ship Aygaz 5, carrying a consignment of gas, has been waiting at Marsaxlokk outside port since last Saturday. Mr Schembri said that weather permitting, the ship would hopefully enter port today.

Annoyed by the duration of bad weather of the past few days, many people have been wondering when the rain and wind would stop.

But the weatherman yesterday afternoon had good news, saying the wind will abate during the night and today should be a relatively nice day, with sunny periods albeit with some clouds.

The duty officer at the Meteorological Office of Malta International Airport said the strong North East wind which reached Force 8 yesterday morning was expected to drop to Force 4 this morning and shift to West North West later in the day.

Churned up by the strong wind, the sea showed its fury against the coast exposed to the North East, a case in point being the Sliema front, where the waves and spray provided a spectacle once one stood out of their way.

Some minor damage caused by the strong wind was reported during the night in various localities where trees and electricity poles were knocked down.

Employees of the Public Cleanliness Department of the Ministry of Resources and Infrastructure were called out during the night to Great Siege Road, Valletta and Regional Road, Swieqi to clear the roads of bricks and rubble from collapsed walls.

Members of the Civil Protection Department were also busy clearing the streets of fallen trees and debris. CPD chief Peter Cordina said no serious incidents were reported.

No one was injured when a tree fell on a parked car in Attard early yesterday morning.