Fast craft operations to Bohol resume

FAST craft and passenger vessels bound for Bohol resumed operations yesterday after the Philippine Coast Guard gave the go signal for them to sail.

PCG Commander Weniel Azcuna said passenger vessels bound for Tagbilaran, Bohol resumed operations about 8 a.m. yesterday.

Passenger vessels bound for Tubigon, Bohol were earlier granted permission to continue operations at 3 p.m. last Tuesday.

Azcuna said the vessels’ operations were suspended after the earthquake struck Bohol and Cebu last Tuesday.

He said that they still have to hold certain vessels bound for Bohol especially those which carry vehicles like private cars and six-wheeled vehicles.

He discouraged the transport of six-wheeled vehicles because the integrity of the piers to accommodate the weight of these vehicles had yet to be checked.

Reports yesterday showed that the Tagbilaran pier had suffered cracks in its causeway and can only accommodate passengers getting off vessels.

He said the Coast Guard is still assessing the condition of the piers to check if the structures can support the weight of vehicles.

“But as for passengers, they can travel,” Azcuna told Cebu Daily News.

He said the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has still to check and determine the integrity of the piers in Bohol so they can allow barges carrying vehicles and private cars to dock at these piers.

Ocean Jet and 2GO are among the fast crafts servicing the Bohol-Cebu route.  /Correspondent Apple Ta-as