PCG: Nearly 3K passengers stranded, sea travel still suspended

Nearly 3,000 passengers remain stranded in various ports across the country as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continued its enforcement of sea travel suspensions in areas affected by Typhoon Tino, particularly those still under wind signals or rough sea conditions.

In a public briefing on Wednesday, PCG spokesperson Captain Noemi Cayabyab said a total of 2,951 passengers, crew members, and drivers of rolling cargoes are still unable to leave ports as of the latest monitoring.

“Ngayon po, meron pa rin po tayong mino-monitor na 67 ports at meron pa rin po ang stranded na 2,951 na mga pasahero,” Cayabyab said.

(As of now, we are monitoring 67 ports, with 2,951 passengers still stranded.)

She explained that while some areas have lifted their local suspensions, sea travel remains restricted in routes where Signal No. 1 or stronger warnings are still in effect — either at the point of origin, the destination, or the route itself.

“Kahit sa area po wala nang nakataas na signal, pero kung ang pupuntahan o dadaanan ay may nakataas pa, hindi po natin pinapayagan,” she added.

(Even if there’s no signal in the departure area, if the destination or route still has one, travel is not allowed.)

The PCG said 640 rolling cargoes and 42 vessels remain stranded in ports, while 465 vessels and 1,512 motorboats are currently taking shelter due to unfavorable sea conditions.

The Batangas Port recorded the highest number of stranded passengers, Cayabyab said. Local authorities and shipping companies have been providing food and temporary shelter to the stranded passengers.

Maritime incidents reported

Three maritime incidents linked to the effects of Typhoon Tino were also recorded. One occurred in Jolo, Sulu, where a vessel was pushed by strong currents and collided with another ship that had just unloaded passengers.

“Lahat naman po ng halos 300 pasahero ay na-rescue at naibaba sa pantalan,” Cayabyab said.

(All 300 passengers were rescued and safely brought to port.)

Another incident involved a capsized fishing boat in Capiz City that was attributed to large waves brought by the typhoon.

Safety remains top priority

Cayabyab reiterated that the PCG will only allow voyages to resume once sea conditions are deemed safe, even in areas where storm signals have been lifted.

“Kung may gale warning at malakas pa rin ang alon o current, isa po ito sa kino-consider bago payagan ang mga biyahe,” she said.

(If gale warnings remain and seas are still rough, those are factors considered before resuming voyages.)

She said station commanders are exercising caution and may issue temporary suspensions even in areas without active wind signals if sea conditions remain hazardous.

The PCG assured the public that all disaster response and rescue teams had been pre-deployed as early as Oct. 30, in coordination with the local government units (LGUs) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure readiness before the storm’s landfall.

Cayabyab appealed for continued patience and vigilance among passengers.

“Hinihingi po namin ang inyong pasensya. Our main objective is to always ensure your safety,” she said

(We ask for your patience. Our main objective is to always ensure your safety.)

She also reminded travelers and fisherfolk to always check weather advisories and the PCG’s official social media pages before setting out to sea.

“Before po tayo umalis, palagi po natin i-check ang weather advisory. Sa ganitong paraan, mas madali rin kaming makapagbigay ng responde kung may aberya sa gitna ng karagatan,” Cayabyab added.

(Before we travel, we must always check the weather advisory. That way, we can respond faster in case of emergencies at sea.) — JMA, GMA Integrated News