2 000 stranded on cruise ship in Cape Town

30 November 2012

2012-11-30 09:25

EyeWitness News reports that the vessel was due to leave for Walvis Bay in Namibia on Wednesday, but remained stuck in the harbour due to strong winds.

Making matters worse, the passengers have to deal with all shops and casinos on board being closed due to alleged port authority restrictions.

Sinfonia passenger Fred Hofman said, “If they allowed the shops and casino to be open, we could function normally until Monday, but now we’re stuck. In addition, immigration doesn’t want to let us off the ship and the captain doesn’t want to let the ship out of the harbour because of the wind.”

The South African Weather Office has warned residents of the Western Cape that gale force winds will continue in the province for at least the next two days.

According to the official site, winds of up to 65km/h can be expected between Cape Columbine and Cape Agulhas on Friday and Saturday.

There was also a warning about high veldfire danger in the Cape Winelands for Saturday.

Die Burger reported that winds of 100km/h and 120km/h raged through the Mother City on Thursday and printed pictures of a woman being blown over while others had to hold onto poles and lamps to keep from falling over.

On Thursday, gusts exceeding 100km/h saw people in the Cape Town CBD being blown above the ground.