Passengers bound for Northern Lau were sent back home yesterday after the MV Lady Sandy cancelled the trip because of bad weather.

A strong wind warning forecasted by the Fiji Metereological Office yesterday forced shipping companies to change their schedules.

Seaview Shipping Services Limited’s Arti Devi said the boat was schedule to leave at 2pm but the trip has been rescheduled and would instead depart Suva today.

“The boat will leave at 12pm tomorrow (today) if the weather permits. Otherwise, the voyage will be postponed again until the weather is fine,” she said.

The interisland vessel is scheduled to sail to Cicia, Vanuabalavu, Nayau and Lakeba.

A rep from the company who was at Port Mua-i-Walu said all cargoes have already been loaded but they are just waiting for the green light from the Marine Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF). Yesterday’s weather bulletin stated that a strong wind warning remained in force for all Fiji waters and that a trough of low pressure was slow moving just to the north of Fiji. Therefore, associated clouds and rain continue to affect the group with rough seas.

Meanwhile, another interisland ferry MV Liahona is also set to sail to lower Southern Lau. Despite the continuous rain yesterday, the crew members were still loading cargoes.