Gondolas are beached after sea levels plunged to a 14-year low in Venice February 19, 2008. The Centro Maree, whose forecasts are vital for organising transport in Venice, said a high-pressure system set off a "Code White" alert that signals low sea levels. Canals slipped on Monday to 80 centimetres (31.5 inches) below average sea level, the lowest since 1994, and remained at "Code White" levels on Tuesday. The lowest level recorded was 92 cm below in 1989. [Agencies]