At least 89 travelers bound for Masbate were stranded at the Pasacao fish port as of 5 p.m. on July 23, 2024 after trips were suspended due to rough sea conditions. 

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the shipping line suspended the Pasacao-Masbate trips due to the strong waves brought by the southwest monsoon.

“Malakas yung [alon] ng dagat natin — kahapon pa sila nagkansela. Sila na mismo ang nag-cancel nung [biyahe] hindi na sila naghintay ng cancellation namin — kasi nakikita natin sa weather forecast natin na sa Huwebes pa siguro magkakaroon [ng biyahe] or Friday, so yung mga strandees natin is madadagdagan pa ‘yun,” CG CPO Emerson Libreja, Commander of CGSS Pasacao, said.

The passengers stranded are waiting in a holding area at the fish port, hoping for a chance to continue their journey.

Some have sought temporary shelter while others, like Marilou Moreno, have been stuck for days.

“Hindi na po kaya, nung Linggo pa kami dito,” she said.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and advising against any sea travel, including fishing activities. 

Fishermen, like Benry Bernesca, are also affected by the rough sea conditions. 

“Mga apat na aldaw na, dipisil ang pagbuhay pag arog kaini,” he said.

In Catanduanes, the shipping company has also suspended trips between San Andres Port and Tabaco Port, though RoRo trips from Virac Port continue. 

Meanwhile, in Camarines Norte, the PCG is closely monitoring and restricting sea travel and fishing activities to prevent maritime incidents due to the rough seas.