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Southampton Port Gas Scare Prompts Evacuation Before False Alarm Ruling

The incident shows how a reported gas smell can shut key dock gates, derailing cruise schedules.

Overview

  • Southampton's Ocean Cruise Terminal, which was evacuated Monday after reports of a gas smell, reopened once SGN called it a false alarm.
  • The closure covered Dock Gates 4 and 5 as ABP paused operations and engineers investigated, and SGN said there is no gas mains connection near the site.
  • Cunard’s Queen Anne left about four hours late, departing at 8:30 pm instead of 4 pm.
  • About 100 passengers waited at the VOCO hotel as traffic backed up on West Quay Road, Platform Road, Town Quay, and the Itchen Bridge.
  • Passengers reported confusion, with some mobility‑impaired travelers struggling to get help reaching the terminal.