Cebu fastcraft cleared to sail as weather improves

FASTCRAFT operators were cleared to resume travel after Coast Guard  detachments reported improved sea conditions yesterday.

Tropical Storm “Helen” weakened slightly after it made landfall in the coastal town of Palanan in Isabela yesterday.

The storm should be out of the country by noon Thursday, Pagasa said.

The same advisory was received by their office yesterday morning, Cebu Coast Guard commander Rolando Punzalan Jr. said, along with feedback from their detachments showing better weather conditions at sea.

Strong southwest monsoon winds triggered big waves  that led to the suspension of fastcraft trips mostly heading for Bohol province last Tuesday afternoon.

Nine vessels with multiple scheduled trips were prevented from sailing last Tuesday. Seven others were held before the ban was lifted at 9 a.m yesterday.

“Even if we see the vessel can reach its destination safely, we had to advise trip cancellation because passenger convenience is our top priority,” Punzalan said.

The commander said vessel captains are often pressured by the riding public as well as their management so they tend to proceed despite rough seas and poor weather.

“We understand they normally push beyond the safety borderline into risk. Next to risk is already accident. This is where the Coast Guard comes in. We create a safety margin especially for the passengers,” he said.

Advisories are sent to media and shipping companies every three hours to keep the public posted on cancelled trips. Correspondent Jessa Chrisna Marie J. Agua with an Inquirer report