PCG suspends sea travel for small boats in Romblon, Occidental Mindoro

BATANES fishermen live off the seas and know how to deal with the storms that are regular occurrences in their province. But Typhoon “Ferdie” tore through their homes. It is considered as bad as Typhoon “Neneng” in 1987. (Photo from EV ESPIRITU / INQUIRER Northern Luzon)

LUCENA CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended sea travel late Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 14 and 15) for small vessels in the provinces of Romblon and Occidental Mindoro due to rough seas.

The PCG advisory cited a 5 p.m. Saturday forecast by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

The forecast warns about a strong gale-force wind that is expected to affect the southern seaboards of Southern Luzon, including Romblon and Occidental Mindoro.

This meant that all trips of vessels with 250 gross tonnage or less, like motorized passenger or fishing boats, are suspended.

The order, separately issued and signed by PCG commanders in these areas, was posted on the Facebook page of the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog late Saturday afternoon.

The suspension order will be lifted and sea travel for small seacraft may be resumed any time when the weather improves, based on Pagasa’s predictions, the PCG said.