Coast Guard on high alert as ‘Vinta’ nears Mindanao

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has placed all its units on heightened alert as tropical storm “Vinta” was forecast to hit areas of Mindanao between Thursday evening and Friday morning.

In an advisory issued on Thursday, the PCG said all rescue ships, swimmers, divers, K-9 rescue dogs, and medical teams were alerted and directed to coordinate with local response teams in case of floods and maritime incidents.

In addition, all ship operators in Mindanao, particularly those in the eastern seaboard like Surigao and Dinagat Islands, have been advised to take shelter and secure their ships.

“Since tropical storm Vinta will hit Cagayan de Oro City tomorrow (Friday) early morning with strong winds to be felt tonight (Thursday), all shipping owners or operators are also reminded of the no sail regulation of the PCG,” the  advisory said.

All water sports and other water-related recreational activities, including swimming, surfing and diving, are suspended, according to the PCG.

The tropical storm has maintained its speed and direction as it continues to move towards Eastern Mindanao, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).    /kga