Cruise ship passengers wait out storm

Around 700 passengers of the Sea Princess cruise ship stayed overnight in Akaroa and Christchurch after rough sea conditions stopped them reboarding the ship uesterday.

The Sea Princess arrived at Akaroa yesterday morning and more than 700 passengers from the United States and Europe disembarked. Stormy conditions meant the passengers could not safely reboard the ship later that afternoon.

Civil Defence Welfare staff set up a centre at the Akaroa School Hall and the passengers were given food and drink. An Akaroa pharmacy opened after hours to ensure passengers had access to necessary medication.

The decision was made to house passengers overnight at Akaroa and Christchurch during the storm. They will reboard the ship this morning, weather depending.

ENDS

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