ATHENS, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Strong winds disrupted ferry services at the port of Piraeus on Saturday, leaving several ships docked and causing inconvenience for travelers.
Although no general sailing ban has been imposed, some ferry companies canceled scheduled routes due to adverse weather conditions, according to Greek national broadcaster ERT.
The disruption comes as Greece is being affected by a new wave of severe weather, characterized by gale-force winds, heavy rainfall and a sharp drop in temperatures. Winds in parts of the Aegean and Ionian seas have reached up to nine on the Beaufort scale.
Passengers were seen waiting at the port with luggage and pets, seeking information on alternative travel arrangements and upcoming departures.
Two vessels, the Knossos Palace and the Festos Palace, carrying a total of 1,641 passengers, were unable to dock at the port of Milos because of the gales. The passengers are awaiting further arrangements, with no confirmed timetable announced.
The Knossos Palace was operating the Piraeus-Milos-Heraklion route, while the Festos Palace was sailing from Heraklion toward Piraeus. ■