PCG suspends all watercraft ops in Davao Occidental amid tsunami warning

All watercraft operations in Davao Occidental have been temporarily suspended amid the tsunami warning following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao Monday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

In an update, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) ordered the suspension as a precautionary measure.

“The suspension covers all fishing boats, passenger vessels, and commercial watercraft until further notice to ensure public safety amid ongoing monitoring of aftershocks and sea conditions,” CGDSEM said.

“Vessel operators and coastal communities are advised to comply strictly with the directive. Port authorities have been instructed to enforce the suspension,” it added.

In a separate statement, the PCG said the agency heightened its operational readiness and coastal safety measures following the tsunami warning

All concerned Coast Guard Districts, Stations, and Sub-Stations within potentially affected areas were directed to implement precautionary measures, disseminate tsunami warnings to coastal communities, and coordinate closely with local government units and other concerned agencies.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said personnel have been deployed to assist in public information dissemination and support the evacuation of residents in vulnerable coastal areas.

"The PCG also advised fishermen and coastal residents to strictly comply with the tsunami warning,” Cayabyab said.

“Owners of vessels docked in harbors and shallow coastal waters were urged to secure their boats and move away from waterfront areas, while vessels already at sea were advised to remain in deep waters until further notice," she added.

Coast Guard Districts in affected regions activated their monitoring and response protocols for timely relay of information, as well as for the availability of assets and personnel for possible search, rescue, and humanitarian assistance operations. —AOL, GMA News