Fog delays boats, causes flight disruption

THICK fog across parts of coastal Otago delayed two boat arrivals and caused early flight disruption at Dunedin Airport.

An Air New Zealand spokesman said about 60 passengers were affected when heavy fog disrupted two early ATR services.

Flight NZ5741, due to land in Dunedin at 7.45am, instead returned to Christchurch, and Flight NZ5742, due to leave for Christchurch at 8.15am, was cancelled.

The affected passengers took alternative flights.

The bulk carrier Yangtze Spirit and the fishing vessel Fortunui were due to arrive at their harbour berths at 6.30am and 7am respectively, but thick fog persisted until about

1.30pm.

The vessels were rescheduled to reach their berths late yesterday afternoon.

PHOTO: STEPHEN JAQUIERY Blanket of mist . . . Fog filled Otago Harbour, along with other parts of coastal Otago, yesterday morning, as can be seen in this view from Heyward Point Rd looking towards Portobello with Papanui (left) and Hoopers Inlets behind.