The rough sea conditions affecting Caribbean islands as far north as the BVI and as far south as Trinidad and Tobago are expected to continue into the Easter weekend.
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The dangerous sea conditions affecting countries across the Caribbean battered hotels and other establishments along the coasts, disrupted operations at the region's ports and were blamed for at least one death, Thursday.

A deep low pressure weather system in the Atlantic resulted in rough sea conditions in islands from as far north as the British Virgin Islands to as far south as Trinidad and Tobago.

Meteorological Services across the region have advised sea bathers, fishermen, small craft operators and all other marine interests to exercise caution as conditions were forecast to continue into the weekend.

In Barbados, one of the first countries to receive notice of the impending weather, an elderly man drowned after going into rough waters at a beach just outside the capital.

Oswald 'Chubby' White reportedly insisted on having an early morning swim despite the posting of red flags which signalled to beachgoers that swimming was not advised.

Business at the nearby Bridgetown port was also affected.

Marketing Manager Freida Nicholls said three cruise ships were forced to leave the island because of the hazardous sea conditions.

“The port is also unable to work cargo ships but is open for deliveries. We will just continue to monitor the sea conditions and our decisions will be made in the interest of the safety of all the vessels,” she said.

A similar situation occurred at the cruise port terminal in Grenada where two ships with more than 4,000 passengers left for calmer waters.

Over in St. Lucia beaches across the island were deserted. Hotels along the north and east coasts received a battering from waves reaching almost 15 feet, with sea water reaching rooms and other sections of affected properties.

Scores of boat owners took refuge in the sheltered harbourage of Marigot Bay along the west coast to ride out the waves, while beachgoers heeded advice to stay out of the waters.

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) also had to dispel public fears that a tsunami was about to hit the island.

In Trinidad and Tobago monster waves pounded the construction site of the proposed Water Taxi Service facility in the twin-island republic’s second city, San Fernando.

Work on the terminal building was temporarily suspended and fishermen plying their trade in the south-western part of the country had to return to land.

Motorists were also left stranded as water from the choppy seas spilled onto the South Trunk Road just south of San Fernando.

The majority of islands across the Caribbean have continued to be on alert.

Disaster preparedness officials in Nevis, where damage was reported to the pier in Charlestown, issued a warning to the public to avoid the island’s beaches over this Easter weekend.

“We are advising persons to be particularly cautious during this period,” said Director of the Nevis Disaster Management Office Mr. Lester Blackette, adding that residents should expect coastal flooding and beach erosion.

Technical Manager, Preparedness and Country Support at the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA), Andria Grosvenor said in the case of Antigua and Barbuda, no significant activity was reported but contingency plans were still in place there.

She indicated that the sea conditions would continue into the weekend.

“We know that the system has slowed down somewhat and it was anticipated that as early as probably today or tomorrow we would have seen the most of it, but we think this condition will persist into Friday and Saturday,” Grosvenor said.

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