The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has suspended sea travels in the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor as a precautionary measure due to Tropical Storm Kristine.
Ensign John Hoffer Olis, PCG-Negros Oriental station commander, and Ensign Richelito Arbis, PCG-Siquijor station commander, said in separate interviews Oct. 22 that the suspension took effect earlier in the day.
The ban applies to vessels with a gross tonnage of 250 and below, although several shipping lines not covered by the advisory voluntarily halted operations, according to the officials.
Strong gale-force winds associated with Kristine prompted the suspension, aiming to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
In Negros Oriental, Olis said trips to and from Dapitan, Siquijor, and Bohol were canceled as early as 3 a.m.
Similarly, in Siquijor, Arbis confirmed that voyages to Negros Oriental, Cebu and Bohol were suspended.
However, barge trips from the ports of Sibulan, Tampi, and Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental were still permitted, as the larger vessels were deemed safe to operate under current conditions.
The Coast Guard reported no stranded passengers, as many travelers returned home or found accommodation.
The suspension of sea travel will remain in place until further notice, the officials added in a Philippine News Agency report.
In preparation for the possible effect of “Kristine” to the Visayas region, the PCG-Negros Oriental station, together with its substation units, activated their Deployable Response Groups (DRG), equipped with essential gears.
Equipment and teams are on standby, ready for possible dispatch to areas that will be affected by the inclement weather, the PCG said in a post Oct. 22, as it urged everyone to always be prepared and to stay alert. ||
