Riviera Maya, Q.R. — Ferry company Ultramar says service has been suspended between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel due to bad weather. Strong winds began entering the region Friday ahead of the arrival of a mass of cold air.
That mass of cold air, cold front 35, is forecast to hit the Yucatan Peninsula Monday. However, ahead of its official arrival, local authorities have already warned about the increase in strong winds and stronger gusts.
On Saturday afternoon, Ultramar suspended ferry crossings due to the strong winds. They have not said how long they anticipate the suspension to last.
“We inform users of our Playa del Carmen – Cozumel route that due to adverse weather conditions, our departures today, Saturday the 15th, will be suspended until weather conditions and the Harbor Master’s instructions allow safe navigation. Follow our publications for updated information,” Ultramar reported Saturday afternoon.
On Friday, hundreds were left standing in hours-long-lines at the Isla Mujeres crossing for the same reason. Passengers on the mainland lined up inside the Puerto Juárez terminal where they reportadly waited more than two hours to cross to the island.
The problem Friday was an alleged boat failure, however, Ultramar has not confirmed that information. At noon local time, the Isla Mujeres Harbor Master’s Office restricted minor navigation in the bay.
At the time of publication Saturday afternoon, Ultramar reported “Note: Our routes to Isla Mujeres operate regularly according to established schedules.”
Strong winds in excess of 37 kilometers per hour (km/h) with gusts of 57 kms/h were already being recorded Friday. Nautical services are expected to continue to be affected as the cold front nears the Peninsula.
On Saturday, State Civil Protection issued an advisory regarding the approaching cold front 35.
