Gnarly surf closes terminal in Long Beach

   Two cargo terminals at the Port of Long Beach suspended vessel operations Wednesday because 10- to 15-foot high wave surges powered by Pacific Hurricane Marie endangered longshore workers. High waves were reported all along the coast in Southern California, delighting some surfers, while damaging homes and overturning boats at some marinas.
   Total Terminals International on Pier T — with two Mediterranean Shipping Co. container ships at berth — and Crescent Terminals on Pier F — with two break-bulk ships including a MOL roll-on, roll-off vessel at berth — stopped working the ships late Tuesday. There was flooding reported at Crescent.
   Two barges broke loose from their anchorage overnight Tuesday and were later towed and docked at berths T136 and T134. A pleasure craft also had to be towed to safety.
   The Port of Long Beach said other terminals remained open for vessel operations, and trucking operations at all terminals, including at TTI and Crescent, were continuing.
   The worst of the surges were expected at high tide shortly before 11 a.m. and again at 11 p.m.
   The port said urges were so powerful Tuesday night that heavy rocks from the Navy Mole breakwater were tossed onto the nearby Nimitz Road. Workers are clearing the rocks and evaluating needed repairs. It has yet to be determined when the road will re-open.
   No injuries have been reported.
   Port spokesman Art Wong told the Los Angeles Register that “it seems like the surge is affecting the south-facing terminals.”