Weather forces Xiaoliuqiu ferry route to shift to Yanpu port
Bad weather has pushed the ferry service between Pingtung and Xiaoliuqiu island out of its usual Donggang harbor, disrupting travel for tourists heading to the island.
- Heavy rain and rough seas made the Donggang harbor mouth unsafe, so boarding moved to Yanpu port in Xinyuan township.
- Southwest winds have stirred up swells, and fast currents in the Donggang river have made the harbor entrance unstable.
- One ferry recently ran aground at the river mouth, leaving over a hundred passengers shaken but unharmed.
- Passengers still buy and collect tickets at Donggang, then take shuttle buses to the new boarding point.
Outlook: The temporary switch stays in place while seas remain rough, so travelers to Xiaoliuqiu should check sailing times and allow extra slack in their plans.