NSW: Heavy seas cancel ferry services
By Krystyna Pollard and Melissa Jenkins
SYDNEY, Aug 16 AAP - Sydney ferry services were disrupted today as heavy seas poundedthe NSW coast.
The Bundeena-Cronulla service was cancelled this morning following storm damage toBundeena wharf, with commuters switched to buses.
Buses also replaced Manly ferries this morning after it was discovered a hinge on theupper level gangway of Manly Wharf had broken so the gangway could not be lowered.
While services resumed mid-morning, commuters were treated to a hair-raising ride acrossthe harbour as a huge swell made its way through Sydney heads.
Bureau of Meteorology spokesman James Taylor said a deep low pressure system west ofNew Zealand had caused heaving seas along the NSW coast, which in turn affected conditionsinside the harbour.
"Overnight outside Sydney Harbour we had average wave heights in the vicinity of 5.5to 6 metres, with maximum wave heights up to 12 metres," he said.
The swell would remain big overnight further north but conditions would calm in Sydney,Mr Taylor said.
"Now we're down to average wave heights around four metres with maximum wave heightsaround seven metres," he said.
"Tomorrow we're forecasting the swell to drop out to two to three metres by tomorrow afternoon."
The morning Bundeena-Cronulla ferry services have been cancelled for the weekend afterhigh seas caused damage to the lower landing of Bundeena wharf earlier today.
A Sutherland Shire Council spokeswoman said the ferry would be able to operate duringmedium and high-tide periods only.
"At this stage it is looking like tomorrow and Sunday morning will be buses from 8.30amto 1pm, and hopefully ferries in the afternoon," she said.
"It does depend on the sea conditions."
If conditions ease, repairs will begin at the weekend and are expected to be completeby mid next week, she said.
AAP kp/cd/sb
KEYWORD: FERRY NIGHTLEAD
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