AT least 1,025 passengers in Cebu were stranded since Wednesday because of Typhoon Chedeng, which affected sea transport in Eastern Visayas and Masbate.
At least 14 vessels were grounded, including vessels for Calbayog City, Samar; Ormoc City, Palompon, Bato, Baybay, Bato, Hilongos—all in Leyte; and Masbate, said Cebu Coast Guard station Commander Rolando Punzalan.
Cebu is not placed under a storm signal, but the Coast Guard considered the port of destination.
Weathermen in Mactan said the rains in Cebu are part of the regular monsoon season but “Chedeng made the monsoon stronger” according to Boy Artiga, Pagasa weather observer.
Rains in late May signal the onset of the monsoon that brings more rain and stronger winds.
No airline cancellations were reported but some flights had slight delays at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), said public affairs head Mary Ann Dimabayao .
The grounded sea vessels include Super Seattle Ferry 23 from Bogo City to Palompon; MV Weesam 7 from Cebu City to Ormoc City; MV Asia Indonesia from Cebu to Masbate; MV Supercat 32 from Cebu City to Ormoc City; MV Theresian Stars from Cebu City to Hilongos; MV Filipinas Surigao from Cebu City to Palompon; MV Filipinas Dinagat from Cebu City to Calbayog City; MV South Pacific from Cebu City to Bato Leyte; MV Lapu-Lapu Ferry 1 from Cebu City to Masbate; MV Rosalia from Cebu City to Baybay City; MV Lady of Angels from Cebu City to Bato; MV Gloria 111 from Cebu City to Hilongos and Super Seattle Ferry 7 from Mandaue City to Ormoc City.
Punzalan said Camotes Island waters were rough and a motorbanca, Ave Maria 5, based in Mandaue City bound for Poro town, in Camotes was advised not to sail.
Since only Biliran was included in the latest storm signal as of Thursday afternoon, Punzalan said those vessels may sail later in the evening but need to watch out for rough seas. Jhunnex Napallacan and Candeze Mongaya