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Mississippi River Boat Trip & Wroxham

A luxury river cruiser which runs  trips from the beautiful village of Horning, along the River Bure through the village and out to Ranworth Broad and back, passing lovely old thatched houses, windmills and Norfolk reed beds. Throughout the trip there is an excellent commentary and continual pointing out of all the water birds around at the time. 

Stunning views from upper deck Plush lounge on lower deck with fully stocked bar Expert commentary Snacks, souvenirs and freshly made tea and coffee available Toilets Wheelchair access

Free time in Wroxham – the capital of the Norfolk Broads.

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Related days out.

Hatfield House Flower & Food Festival

3 june - 1 days - £39.

Arundel Castle & Gardens

9 june - £49.

Brick Lane Jingle Bells

20 december - £86, search for holidays.

Tel: 01692 630262

Southern Comfort

River trips on the Norfolk Broads

Welcome Aboard The Southern Comfort

Join our crew for a memorable river experience.

The Southern Comfort is a double-deck paddle boat purpose built for the Broads with a capacity of 100 passengers for public trips or private hire. Our boat is a luxury river cruiser which runs regular trips from the beautiful village of Horning, along the River Bure through the village and out to Ranworth Broad and back, passing lovely old thatched houses, windmills and Norfolk reed beds. Throughout the trip there is excellent commentary and continual pointing out of all the wildlife around at the time. There is the ever present bustle of river traffic with cruisers, yachts and the occasional wherry.

Public River Trips

1½ hour daytime and 2 hour evening trips Expert commentary Stunning views from upper deck Plush lounge on lower deck with fully stocked bar Snacks, souvenirs and freshly made tea and coffee Toilets Wheelchair access Group discounts offered Well behaved dogs welcome

Private Functions

Whatever the celebration i.e. Wedding Reception, Office Function, Birthday Party or Social Club outing, Southern Comfort is an excellent venue. Hire charges are reasonable and while we offer a choice of menu and music, the hirer may provide their own if they wish. Our fully licenced bar has a wide range of beers, wines and spirits and tea and coffee are always available.

Where are we?

The Southern Comfort is moored outside the Swan Hotel in Horning on the scenic Norfolk Broads. Only 4 minutes drive from Wroxham 11 miles from Norwich Easy parking 50 yards from boat Free coach parking Sailing from The Swan Hotel, Lower Street, Horning, NR12 8AA

Latest News

We are delighted to invite you to an evening on board the Southern Comfort with Country & Folk singer Marc James.          Friday 9th August 2024 from 7pm to 10pm Marc has been on the road for many years, playing all across the UK & Ireland. From the toe tapping songs from …

We invite you to join us for a summer evening of relaxing live jazz music, played by our very own 3-piece jazz band the Broads Chords whilst cruising along the River Bure. Departing from the village of Horning, passing St. Benet’s Abby onto South Walsham Broad and finishing back in Horning. Dates are as follows: …

Tickets for our May to September public river trips and our Summer Sunset cruises are now available to purchase online. Please select the BOOK ONLINE button located on our website home page or our public river trip website page. If you would like to contact us please call the office on 01692630262 or email us …

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The Cordon Rouge

The Cordon Rouge was the first double decker passenger boat in our fleet launched in 1987. She is a very popular open topped passenger boat and is the ideal boat to charter for the smaller party or corporate function. The lower saloon has very comfortable upholstered bench seating and stools around 13 circular tables. There are also covered forward and aft deck areas with bench style seating with upholstered cushions. The open top deck has bench style seating. The ladies and gents toilets can be found on the aft deck and the bar is in the lower saloon.

Due to current government regulations surrounding social distancing, we have adjusted the seating layouts and facilities of our trip boats, including the Cordon Rouge.  Please see our River Trip page for the most up to date information.

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Take a Boat Trip on the rivers of the Norfolk Broads National Park, there is no better way to spend an afternoon, slowly cruising down the river, enjoying the beautiful landscape and local wildlife whilst aboard a chartered passenger day boat. There are several sight-seeing broads cruiser companies that run scheduled hourly services during the summer season. There are several places to take a boat trip from; with an interlinking bus service The Broads Hopper (bike friendly) and the Poppy Line train service that stops at Wroxham/Hoveton station making it easily accessible from Norwich, even without a car.

Relax whilst gently heading upstream onboard a well equipped and comfortable passenger Broads Cruiser; taking in this beautiful untamed wetlands of reed beds and marshes; enjoy a spot of bird watching or looking for the wildlife of the riverbank like otters before a spot of afternoon tea and cakes and heading home on the calm waters of the Norfolk Broads. Taking a boat trip on the Norfolk Broads is one of the best ways to see and explore this unique landscape and well worth a family ticket. Barton Broad offers a unique eco boat trip onboard Britain’s first solar-powered passenger boat, Ra for a totally environment-friendly family boat trip.

This is leisurely activity is suitable for all ages, although children should always be supervised when onboard a boat or by waterways. There are a couple of disable user friendly crafts that cater for wheelchairs users that can be hired with staff, providing guided Broad river tours for disable users.

For more information on a Boat Trip on the Norfolk Broads, browse through the listings below or use the map to discover where to start your boat trip

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Richardson’s Day Boats, Wroxham

Our Richardson’s Day Boats Marina (formerly Fineway) is located in the “capital of the Broads”, Wroxham, and is the home for all of our  day boats .

This marina is just 8 miles from Norwich and 20 miles from Great Yarmouth. If you’re travelling by car approaching Wroxham from the South you’ll be on Norwich Road. Go over the bridge and turn right into Church Road. If travelling form the North you’ll be on Stalham Road. Turn left at the McDonald’s before the Bridge into Church Road. There is parking available on site with the entrance on Church Road opposite Roys and adjacent to the ThaiWay restaurant’ .

If you are travelling by train the nearest station is in Wroxham/Hoveton and is just a short 10 minute walk from the marina. From the train station head south towards Roy’s, cross Stalham Road at the traffic lights, head south along Stalham Road until McDonalds and then turn left into Church Road. Follow the signs pointing towards Roy’s DIY, our next door neighbours.

There are a number of cafes, shops and attractions in Wroxham to explore. You can find out more about those  here . Find directions  here .

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Norfolk Broads River Trips & Day Boat Hire

If you’re staying in one of our waterside cottages, you can enjoy spending some time on the water with Broads Tours’ day boat hire and guided river trips.

Broads Tours River Trips

What better way to discover the diversity of this enchanting landscape than to relax on one of our river tours?

If you’re staying in one of our holiday cottages and would like to enjoy the Broads from the water, our river trips offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and learn a little about the Broads and our diverse wildlife.

Our skippers know everything there is to know about the history of the Broads and will point out the various species of birds as they come into view.

Our experienced crew will take care of you on board, with light refreshments, a licensed bar, wheelchair access* and toilet facilities. You can sit back, relax and embrace the peace and tranquillity of the Norfolk Broads. Dogs are allowed at a cost of £2.50 per dog.

To experience the special magic of the Broads or for more information, please book online via Broads Tours

Broads Tours Day Boat Hire

Take to the helm and hire one of our fantastic day boats.

Our day boat hire allows you to independently explore the beauty of the Broads at your own pace and in your own style. Pack a picnic and enjoy alfresco dining onboard, have fun with friends and family or simply take time to reflect on your peaceful surroundings.

Whichever boat you choose, we know you will feel you have had a special day and will want to do it all over again, that’s the magic of the Broads.

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Norfolk Broads Boat Trips – 17 Top Boating Activities

The Norfolk Broads are a huge network of lock free navigable rivers and lakes which together create a diverse landscape of unique wildlife and plant life, and Britain’s largest protected wetland.

By far the best way to enjoy and appreciate the Norfolk Broads is to get out on the water. Whether you’re an experienced sailer, an adventurous paddler or you’re looking for a great day out in a beautiful setting, a Norfolk Broads boat trip will tick all those boxes.

This round-up of all the best Norfolk boat trips covers hiring, chartering, guided trips and tours and day hire of all different types of craft, and will help you have the best boat trip on the Norfolk Broads.

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Local’s Guide to Norfolk England

This post may contain affiliate links. If you book something I recommend, I make a small commission without affecting the price you pay!

Mississippi Paddle Boat

Norfolk wildlife trust boat trips, norfolk broads boating holidays, sail the seas on excelsior, norfolk broads boat tours, broads tours wroxham.

A Broads boat tour is a great option to explore this gorgeous part of Norfolk if you‘re not confident on the water or don’t fancy skippering your own boat.

If this is you, the best Norfolk Broads boat trip is with Broads Tours , whose river trips leave from Wroxham Bridge on their four boats – Queen of the Broads , Belle of the Broads , Cordon Rouge , and the paddle steamer Vintage Broadsman .

These Wroxham boat trips include a full commentary from the skipper to ensure that you don’t miss a thing. You’ll learn about the origins and history of the Broads, and find out about various points of interest along the way, as well as some tips about spotting local wildlife and what you might see.

There is also a licensed bar with light refreshments on board, to help you make the most of your trip!

RELATED POST: 22 Fantastic Things to Do in Wroxham

Waveney River Tours

Waveney River Tours have been offering a variety of cruises since 1970. Taking in the ecologically diverse region of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads and ancient marshland landscapes, the crew share knowledge of the local area, flora and fauna as you go.

All tours start from Mutford Lock on Oulton Broad in Lowestoft, and you can pick from the following cruises;

• River Waveney Marshlands Cruise – glide along the grazing pastures of the Norfolk-Suffolk Border and Angles Way hiking trail.
• Oulton Broad Circular Tour – sail around beautiful Oulton Broad and the first stretch of Oulton Dyke, and see the boathouses built along the banks of the largest Broad in the National Park.
• Victorian Heritage Cruise – follow Sir Samuel Morton Peto’s historic East Suffolk railway line through the Waveney Valley to the 100 year old railway swingbridge at Somerleyton.

These Norfolk Broads river tours sail on the Waveney Princess , which is equipped with an open top deck with panoramic views over the Broadland landscape. ​There are toilets onboard along with a fully licensed bar and teashop.

RELATED POST: 13 of the Best Norfolk Broads Walks

Colourful and unique to Norfolk, the Southern Comfort is a Mississippi paddle boat which sails from Horning along the River Bure to beautiful Ranworth Broad.

This luxury river cruiser was purpose built for Broads river trips and provides stunning views of traditional Broads cottages, windmills, and Norfolk reed beds from its top deck, as you sail by.

In the summer, the Southern Comfort takes regular evening music cruises with live jazz, a wonderful way to spend a few hours on a warm summer’s evening in Norfolk.

The Southern Comfort is also available for private hire, and is the perfect venue for a special celebratory party. Book early though, as it’s really popular!

RELATED POST: 26 Exciting Things To Do On the Norfolk Broads

Norfolk Broads Wildlife & Nature Boat Trips

Seal boat trips.

Scroby Sands is located just over a mile offshore from  Great Yarmouth and Gorleston-on-Sea  and is most famous for its 30 wind turbines that generate 60 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 41,000 homes.

In the past Scroby Sandbank was responsible for many shipwrecks, but the sandbank is now the home to a colony of grey seals. You can see both seals and wind turbines up close when you take a two hour trip on a RIB with Jet Adventures , departing from Lowestoft.

There are large numbers of seals to see on this trip. At low water they’ll be on the sandbank en masse and at high water, the seals will be surrounding the boat and bobbing about in the water.

RELATED POST: Seals in Norfolk – Where & How to See Them

Broads Authority Boat Trips

The Broads Authority manage the Norfolk Broads National Park and has three visitor centres where knowledgeable staff can make sure you get the most out of your days out.

The centres are at Hoveton, Ranworth and How Hill Nature Reserve, and all run daily sustainable boat trips to showcase the landscape and wildlife, and educate people about the importance of conserving this unqiue and precious place.

By the river at How Hill Nature Reserve on the River Ant is a marshman’s cottage, now Toad Hole Cottage Museum, from where the  Electric Eel sets sail to take passengers on a wildlife water trail along the hidden dykes behind the nature reserve.

You’ll see an abundance of colourful dragonflies and damselflies, and in June and July the very rare Swallowtail butterfly that is only found in the Norfolk Broads.

From Ranworth Moorings, your can set off on a voyage of discovery on board Liana , an Edwardian-style electric launch. These wildlife trips sail across Malthouse Broad, then along Ranworth Dam and the River Bure towards Cockshoot Dyke.

The solar-powered boat Ra will transport you along a beautiful and tranquil stretch of the River Bure from Hoveton Riverside Park, going towards Coltishall and into Bridge Broad.

RELATED POST: 30 of the Very Best Things To Do in Norfolk

Ross’ Wildlife Boat Trip

Discover the ‘hidden’ Norfolk Broads by taking a wildlife boat tour with Ross’ Wildlife Boat Trips on the MV Lady Ann , a traditional wooden Broads built pleasure boat. Set sail with an exerienced local skipper from the Staithe at the National Trust’s Horsey Windpump, a restored Grade II* listed mill which is ridiculously photogenic.

You’ll explore Horsey Mere with opportunities to see the rare wildlife that calls this corner of Norfolk home, including marsh harriers, Swallowtail butterflies, bitterns and kingfishers.

RELATED POST: 26 Pictures of Norfolk England to Inspire Your Trip!

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden Boat Trip

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is a fantastic Norfolk Broads day out. With over 130 organic acres of cultivated, wild and natural planting, and a four mile path snaking it’s way through the gardens, Fairhaven’s award-winning woodland water garden is a great place to explore.

There’s lots of year-round interest here with the UK’s finest collection of candelabra primulas blooming in spring, alongside bluebells, camellias and wood anemones. In autumn, expect to see flaming colours, migrant birds, fascinating fungi and toadstools.

Fairhaven Gardens operate boat trips on South Walsham Broad on their boat Primrose which gives visitors the ability to view the beautiful gardens and wildlife from the water, and a longer trip takes visitors along the River Bure to view the historic ruins of St Benet’s Abbey.

You can also take a family canoe trail, kayak and stand up paddle from Fairhaven, or take a katakanu (a catamaran canoe!) adventure tour to see swans, kingfishers, herons, cormorants, ducks, woodpeckers, geese and falcons, and if you’re really lucky, a pair of otters! Book all these activities here .

RELATED POST: The 21 Best Gardens in Norfolk to Visit

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust offer guided wildlife water trails to help you explore the unique environment of the Norfolk Broads.

Travel into the heart of the Broads and discover wildlife-rich marshes, reedbeds and wet woodlands at both Hickling Broad and Ranworth Broad.

At Hickling, you’ll set sail on Swallowtail , or the historic Norfolk reedlighter, Little Tern , to spot marsh harriers, great crested grebes and the elusive bittern. You’ll visit remote hides only accessible by boat, and an 18 metre tree tower, which provides panoramic views of Hickling Broad and the landscape beyond. 

At Ranworth, you’ll explore the Broad to see abundant wildlife, as well the wrecks of Norfolk wherries sunk in WWII in an effort to prevent German seaplanes from landing on the water.

The Cockshoot Broad Water Trail follows the beautiful River Bure in the Bure Marshes National Nature Reserve to the very secluded and tranquil Cockshoot Broad. A short walk takes you to the boardwalk, where you’ll spot damselflies and dragonflies, and maybe even an osprey.

The Evening Water Trail is a magical guided boat trip from Ranworth to St Benet’s Abbey, where you can experience first-hand the beauty and wonder of this unique landscape as the setting sun casts its magical spell.

RELATED POST: Norfolk Nature Reserves – Ultimate A-Z Guide

Hiring a Boat on the Norfolk Broads

Hire a day boat.

Wroxham, along with it’s twin village of Hoveton, on the opposite bank of the River Bure, is known as the capital of the Norfolk Broads. It’s a thriving village and a hub for Broads boat hire, especially around Wroxham Bridge.

Motorised day boat hire is an easy way to explore the beauty of the Broads, as you don’t need any experience, just a bit of common sense! You can hire a day boat from Wroxham and spend a delightful day puttering about, with a picnic for lunch, or even stop at one of the many riverside pubs.

Richardson’s Day Boats hire pet friendly and wheelchair friendly diesel and electric day boats for up to twelve people from their marina in Wroxham, where you can conveniently park whilst you’re hiring the boat. Boats can be hired for a full day of half day and include heating for winter time use, bouyancy aids, a map of the Broads and of course, instructions before you set off.

If you want facilities like a toilet and a gas burner for cooking, then hire a picnic boat from Wroxham Launch Hire . Also dog friendly, these day cruisers can seat up to nine people, making them great for an extended family outing.

Away from Wroxham, Herbert Woods hire a fleet of day boats from their boatyard in Potter Heigham. From picnic boats to fishing boats, you’ll find a craft to suit your needs here, and have direct access to some of the Broads most iconic scenery.

Charter a Luxury Cruiser

If lounging and watching the world go by is more your style, then hire a luxury cruiser for the day. Cruisers are larger than day boats and have more facilities, meaning you can really enjoy your day on the water with all the comforts of home.

Broadland Charters offer a variety of Norfolk Broads cruises for their gorgeous boat, Norfolk Time . With a qualified and friendly crew meaning you can relax onboard, this really is the most glamorous boat on the Norfolk Broads!

Choose from a variety of themed cruises, including afternoon tea and sunset bubbles, organise a special lunch, or even a celebratory party as you enjoy crusing the tranquil waters of the Broads in style.

RELATED POST: Afternoon Tea in Norfolk – 15 of the Best Places

You don’t have to hire a boat just for a day. Why not take your Norfolk Broads holiday on a boat? Spending your nights on a boat on the tranquil Broads is a magical experience, and when you take a boating holidays on the Broads, you can explore the whole area from the comfort of your holiday accommodation, the boat!

Norfolk Broads Direct is well known for boat hire on the Norfolk Broads, offering a modern fleet of high-quality cruisers for hire. The cruisers are all motorised, so you don’t need to know how to sail, dog friendly and have everything you need on board for your holidays in Norfolk.

If you prefer to sail your way around the Broads, check out Olivers Sailing Holidays and Waterways Holidays who hire yachts and even offer learning to sail holidays.

RELATED POST: Five Ideas for a Short Break in Norfolk

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Heritage Boat Trips

Sail on a norfolk wherry.

As you travel around the Broads, it’s a very surreal experience to see the sails of boats flapping in what looks like a field! If you’re lucky you may be looking at the sail of a Norfolk Wherry, a traditional Broads vessel (as well as a local amber ale from Woodforde’s Brewery!)

Wherry’s were originally cargo boats and pleasure craft which were used all over the Broads, before road transport became easy and cheap. Sadly, there are only eight wherries left sailing today from the original 300 or more – if you see one, you can check which one you spotted here .

You can book a scheduled day trip or charter a wherry from Wherry Yacht Charter , who operate five of the remaining eight wherries, and take a trip around the Broads in a fully skippered and equipped boat. Each of the boats is unique and has been beautifully restored, to be returned to their former glory.

There are only two surviving trading wherries in existance, Albion and Maud , and both display the distinctive black sail. All other wherries have white sails.

You can visit the 123 year old Albion , which belongs to the Norfolk Wherry Trust in Ludham on one of their open events or day cruises.

RELATED POST: Breweries in Norfolk – Best 16 to Visit

Norfolk Broads History

The Museum of the Broads in Stalham is the only waterside museum of Broadland life where you can learn about the boats of the Broads, and see how the local landscape and culture have been shaped by history, and the way people lived and worked in the Broads over the centuries.

Here you can see the findings and equipment of ecologist Joyce Lambert, who proved in the 1950’s that the lakes and landscape of the Broads were manmade and formed in medieval times, when peat was dug out for use as fuel, leaving diggings which then flooded.

The museum has an extensive collection of boats, including the unique Victorian steam launch Falcon built in 1894, and the Marsh Harrier , a modern electric boat. You can take a trip on both these boats, skippered by a local and knowledgeable helm, for a fascinating jaunt along the River Ant, to explore the local landscape and wildlife.

RELATED POST: 21 Museums in Norfolk You Won’t Want to Miss!

Get a taste of life on board the historic Excelsior LT472 , a restored 100 year old a traditional Lowestoft fishing smack when you join an adventurous heritage sailing experience day with The Excelsior Trust .

Setting out from Lowestoft (ok, not quite Norfolk but close enough) and you’ll get the chance to be hands-on and join in with raising the sails, hoisting out the bowsprit and taking the tiller with the experienced crew to guide and support you, or just sit and enjoy the salty air in your face and the sound of the sea around you as you sail along the beautiful Norfolk coast.

RELATED POST: Norfolk Coast – 8 Amazing Ways to Explore

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Paddle the Norfolk Broads

Take a guided paddle tour.

The best way to admire and appreciate the Broads is from the water and Wroxham is a great place to start. Hire a kayak or paddle board  and set off on a Swallows and Amazons style adventure, with a picnic and binoculars to spot the many different birds and animals you’ll encounter.

For the best opportunities to see kingfishers, bitterns and even the elusive otter, take a guided trail with the CanoeMan , local experts who will take you to backwaters where motorised boats can’t go, and share information about life on the Broads.

Family Adventure at Barton Broad

If you’re looking for family adventure, hire a canoe at Wayford Bridge and paddle down the River Ant to Barton Broad, and moor at Neatishead Staithe. From here you can walk the boardwalk and reward yourself with a drink at the nearby Whitehorse Inn , or bring a picnic and eat it on the pretty staithe.

The boardwalk trail leads you through swampy, wildlife filled woodland, with resting places and information boards where you can read about the wildlife, before emerging onto a large viewing platform. From here you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view over Barton, second largest of the Broads.

Stand Up Paddle on the Broads

SUP or stand up paddle is becoming one of the most popular sports in the UK, and has really taken off in Norfolk, where the gentle water of the Broads make it easy to learn. You can bring your own equipment or hire at various places.

You can paddle board right through the centre of Norwich on the River Wensum, the longest chalk steam in Norfolk, and meet the River Yare at Whitlingham Broad. Norwich Paddleboard Hire launch from the Gibraltar Pub in the centre of the city.

Or check out the oasis of tranqulity that is Hickling Broad, as you paddle through the 600 hectare nature reserve that’s a haven for wildlife. Norfolk Outdoor Adventures hire SUP’s at Ferrygate Camping in Martham, on the banks of the Broad, where You can also learn to paddle board and book themed SUP tours and activities.

RELATED POST: 31 Amazing Things To Do in Norwich

Wondering where to stay in the Norfolk Broads?

• For accommodation, hotels and places to eat >>> A Local’s Guide to the Norfolk Broads
• Norfolk Glamping – 15 of the Best Spots
• The Ten Best Campsites in Norfolk
• Motorhome Sites Norfolk – 13 Best Places to Stay

Have you taken a Norfolk Broads boat trip, or have a missed your favourite from my round up? Let me know in the comments below so I can check it out!

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Body found in search for teenager missing in Torres Strait waters

A body has been found in the search for a teenager missing in Torres Strait waters after a dinghy broke down overnight.

Queensland police said a 13-year-old boy swam about 500 metres to shore at Saibai Island, about four kilometres south of Papua New Guinea, and raised the alarm.

The boy told police his 16-year-old crewmate attempted to swim but failed to make it to shore in rainy weather.

Police said the identification of the body was underway. 

Earlier today, Queensland Police Torres Strait Acting Inspector Anthony Moynihan said the younger boy swam ashore near the airport and went home.

"He's in a bit of shock at the moment," he said.

"He's talking with police up there."

Acting Inspector Moynihan believes the boys were about 500m north of the island when they abandoned the 5m fibreglass "banana boat" – a popular design in the area – after the engine broke down.

Acting Inspector Moynihan, based on Thursday Island, was unsure whether the boat had been found or if there was alternative propulsion aboard.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Felim Hanniffy said conditions on the water in the region were far from ideal after a tropical low formed within a very active trough in the are over the last few days.

He said it looked as if the worst of the storms had now contracted to the west after several days of bad weather.

"We had quite a bit of squally thunderstorm activity moving across the area," Mr Hanniffy said.

He said winds were not too strong but the area was still hazardous.

"Across the northern parts of the Torres Strait we've got light to moderate north- to north-easterlies in play up here," Mr Hanniffy said.

"Certainly for the rest of the day that risk remains, given that proximity of that low, though it has moved away.

"There's still a risk of some potentially squally shower and thunderstorm activity related to that system."

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