TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gale force winds and heavy precipitation has forced the suspension of civil and commercial sailing activities across East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Tuesday, July 28, 2015.

"We have suspended some services due to the terrible weather conditions," said Kupang's Waterways Crossing Authority (ASDP) Chief, Arnol Jansen to the press.

Jansen said that services between Kupang and Sabu, as well as Kupang and Aimere, which is served by KMP Umakalasa and Ile Ape, has been suspended due to treacherous waves of up to 3 metres.

That said, services between Kupang and Larantuka, as well as Kupang amd Kalabahi - which passes through the Strait of Ombay - is still operating as per usual, said Jansen.

In Sabu Raijua, KMP Ile Mandiri and Cantika Express 77 had to dock at the Port of Seba due to the bad weather. "We would only resume services on August 1, because of the weather conditions at present," said the Captain of Cantika Express 77.

As a result, scores of passengers bound for Sabu and Kupang have been forced to find alternative means of travelling. "We wanted to sail to Kupang, but services have been suspended. Air services are fully booked, so I just have to wait until the weather clears," said Joe, a Kupang-bound resident of Sabu.

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