5 ports cancel trips due to ‘Samuel’

Five ports canceled trips on Monday due to tropical depression “Samuel,” affecting more than 2,000 passengers, reports from the maritime sector shows.

Data obtained by INQUIRER.net showed that in the Visayas, the ports have suspended their vessel trips.

A consolidated report from the Maritime Industry Authority, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) showed that the port in Ormoc, Leyte has suspended all trips of fastcrafts and motorbanca due to rough sea condition.

But MV Lightshipping is currently on hold as it is awaiting the 5 p.m. weather forecast of the state weather bureau.

The port in Liloan, Cebu has also suspended trips of all vessels trips upon the instruction of PCG. Two ships were seeking to shelter at the municipal port while another one was docketed at the terminal port of the PPA.

The maritime industry  recorded that 114 passengers, 12 trucks, three buses, and two sports utility vehicles were stranded in the said port.

All types of ships were also prevented from traveling in the port of Leyte, Leyte due to the weather disturbance.

In the province of Bohol, a total of 1,306 passengers were stranded as authorities canceled sea travels.

About 21 motor bancas, 18 cargoes, and nine vessels were also stranded in Bohol while 92 motor bancas and 12 vessels are currently seeking shelter in safe areas to avoid damage.

In the port of Cebu, 960 individuals, 14 vessels, 10 cargoes, and four motor bancas were also barred from sea travel. /ee