Passengers preparing to board a cruise ship in Southampton are experiencing significant disruption as a gas leak has led to the closure of part of the port. Approximately 100 individuals are stranded at the VOCO hotel in Southampton due to the gas leak near Dock Gates 4 and 5, right before the scheduled departure of Cunard’s Queen Anne at 4pm.
The situation has resulted in extensive traffic congestion on surrounding roads such as West Quay Road and the Itchen Bridge. Among those affected are Susan Drecksler, 72, and her husband Lawrence, 77, who require assistance due to his Parkinson’s disease. Mrs. Drecksler expressed frustration, stating, “The disorganization is causing difficulties as we rely on assistance due to mobility issues.”
The gas leak, located adjacent to Ocean Cruise Terminal, has prompted the closure of the affected gates. The Associated British Ports (ABP), responsible for managing Southampton Port, is actively working to resolve the issue and reopen access promptly. ABP apologized for any inconvenience caused and assured customers and stakeholders of updates on the situation.
Southampton City Council confirmed the evacuation of Dock Gates 4 and 5 and reported that an engineer is on-site inspecting the leak, with traffic delays observed along Platform Road, Town Quay, and West Quay Road. The Queen Anne cruise ship, currently engaged in European voyages, was set to embark on a journey to Greece, the Adriatic, and the Western Mediterranean today at 4pm.
The disruption has impacted passengers’ travel plans and caused uncertainty regarding the timeline for resolving the gas leak issue. Passengers are advised to stay informed as authorities work to address the situation swiftly and ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
