Fog halts port operations

Fog so thick ‘‘lights didn’t make a dent’’ stopped ships going in and out of Port Otago yesterday morning.

‘‘It’s quite unusual ... I haven’t seen fog like this for a number of years,’’ Port Otago chief executive Kevin Winders said.

Staff had been unable to bring in vessels with one ship waiting outside the harbour and one inside waiting until it was safe to leave.

About 10am, Mr Winders noted the fog had started to clear and by 12.30pm the port was open.

MetService meteorologist John Law said fog was common over water.

‘‘Fog is caused by saturated air ... cool air sinking down that has extra moisture from the sea.’’

The fog naturally cleared throughout the day, but left the city with an overcast afternoon, Mr Law said. - Tayler Mutton