Dinh Viet Cuong, Deputy Director of Thuong Chanh Phan Thiet Port Transport Company, stated that the three ships — Trung Trac, Superdong Phu Quy 1, and Superdong Phu Quy 2 — were forced to temporarily cease operations to ensure safety.

The Trung Trac ship will suspend all round trips until 27/11. The two Superdong Phu Quy ships, 1 and 2, will halt services from 21/11 through the end of 22/11.

A passenger ship anchored at Thuong Chanh Phan Thiet transport port, morning of 19/11. Photo: Viet Quoc.

Superdong Phu Quy 1 is expected to resume operations at 10:30 on 23/11, while Superdong Phu Quy 2 will depart at 6:00 on 24/11. However, the schedule may change depending on weather conditions.

The Binh Thuan (Lam Dong) sea area is currently under the influence of the southern edge of an intensifying continental cold high-pressure system. Offshore northeasterly winds are forecast at level 5-6, gusting to level 7, with waves 2-3,5 meters high and potentially exceeding 4 meters in the coming days. According to transport companies, the temporary suspension aims to ensure absolute passenger safety.

Phu Quy island lies 56 nautical miles (nearly 104 km) southeast of the mainland. Travel for both residents and tourists relies entirely on the Phan Thiet - Phu Quy sea route. In recent years, the island's pristine landscape has attracted a large number of visitors. Two years ago, during peak season, there were up to 5 ships registered for operation; currently, there are three ships due to decreased demand.

Khai Nguyen