With high winds and heavy seas forecast, the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration has appealed to fishermen and ferry operators in coastal regions and on islands to temporarily suspend taking to the open water.

The appeal came after the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology announced that coastal areas will experience large waves and blustery winds from January 25-30.

Provincial governor Kuoch Chamroeun advised the authorities to make sure that residents are aware of the heightened weather warnings.

“Fishermen, and anyone else who makes a living on the ocean, should temporarily suspend their activities to avoid a potential tragedy,” he said.

He urged that all possible measures be taken to warn locals – including those who may have already been at sea when the warning was issued.