'Cape Doctor' dispenses bitter medicine

Wind, wind and more wind seems to be on the cards for Cape Town, severely affecting the movement of vessels in and out of the city’s port. While the city has had some reprieve from the gale-force winds experienced at the beginning of December which saw at least five vessels anchored within the port and several more unable to enter, strong winds continue to blow. At the time of going to print only one vessel was unable to leave the Cape Town Port. According to a spokesman for Transnet National Ports Authority, while wind is affecting the port, it is not closed. Only certain vessels are prevented from leaving or entering the port depending on their type and their characteristics. “Every vessel is assessed on a case-by-case basis,” said the spokesman. “The port is not closed and operations continue. This morning there is one vessel that cannot leave the port until the wind dies down.” Earlier this month wind speeds of between 50 and 70 knots (93km/h to 130km/h) were measured resulting in two container ships, two breakbulk vessels and a tanker being anchored in the port, while three breakbulk ships, two container vessels and two tankers were unable to enter. Last Monday the wind speed was measured around 39 knots (72 km/h) with the forecast being between 26 and 42 knots (48km/h to 77km/h) for the rest of the week. INSERT ‘Earlier this month wind speeds of between 50 and 70 knots were measured.’