Queen Mary 2 Skips Wellington
Mega-cruise ship Queen Mary 2 has ditched its Wellington visit with the capital in sight on account of heavy swells caused by Cyclone Pam.
The Queen Mary 2 was due in Wellington this morning after spending time in the Marlborough Sounds, but 8-metre swells at the entrance to the harbour meant it was too risky.
The vessel has a deep draft which doesn't leave much margin for error, harbourmaster Mike Price told said. The 345-metre long ship, which can carry more than 3000 passengers, was sailing on to Auckland via the west coast to avoid the rough seas created by Pam, he said.
"Due to the swell and current depth restrictions at the harbour entrance, the Master of the vessel made the decision to abandon the call. The Queen Mary is now heading for Auckland," says a statement.
About half a dozen ships were waiting for the swell to subside before they could enter or leave the harbour, Price said.
