Thousands stranded in Visayas ports

MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard yesterday issued a warning to the sea-going public, particularly fishermen, officers and crew members as well as owners and operators of sea vessels, on the possible dangers posed by tropical storm “Sendong” (international name: Washi), which intensified yesterday.

PCG commandant Adm. Ramon Liwag made the warning in line with the directive issued by the Department of Transportation and Communications to announce to the sea-going public that no vessel of any size and tonnage are allowed to sail if public storm warning signal is hoisted over its origin, route or destination.

As of 2 p.m., the PCG counted 7,755 passengers stranded in areas where public storm warning signals were raised.

Ports under the Coast Guard’s Central and East Visayas District have the most number of stranded passengers: Cebu, 2,438; Dumaguete, 650; Maasin, 468; and Tagbilaran, 251. There were about 1,100 passengers also stranded in various ports in Northern Mindanao, and a few more in ports in the Calabarzon and Western Visayas districts.

“The public is advised to plan or postpone trips if the intended routes and destination will be affected by Sendong so as to avoid being stranded in areas where vessel movements are suspended,” Liwag said.

He also urged the public to continuously monitor the regular announcement of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and the PCG. INQUIRER