631 stranded passengers as storm Ramon approaches—Philippine Coast Guard
MANILA, Philippines—With the nearing Tropical Storm Ramon about to make a landfall, the Philippine Coast Guard has monitored hundreds of stranded passengers in various ports.
PCG spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente said around 631 passengers were stranded in various ports, including those in Tagbilaran (67), Cebu (168), Tacloban (39), Maasin (176), and Surigao (181).
Meanwhile, there were also 47 stranded rolling cargoes (19 in Maasin and 28 in Surigao), 40 vessels (17 in Tagbilaran, 11 in Cebu, 11 in Maasin, and one in Surigao), and 13 motorized bancas (four in Tagbilaran, five in Cebu, two in Tacloban, and two in Maasin).
The PCG reminded shipping companies that vessels of 1000 gross tonnages or below are not allowed to sail, except to find shelter, when Storm Signal No. 1 is raised in their point of origin, route or destination.
Under Storm Signal No. 2, no vessel will be allowed to travel, said Ricafrente.