‘Basyang’ stranded passengers hit 4,100 on Sunday

The number of stranded passengers in various ports in the Visayas and Mindanao spiked to more than 4,100 on Valentine’s Day, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Wednesday.

In its advisory, the PCG said that as of 12 midnight, a total of 4,108 were stranded in the ports of the Visayas, Bicol, Palawan, and Northern Mindanao due to Tropical Depression “Basyang”

The coast guard added that 924 rolling cargoes, 130 vessels, and 19 motor bancas were also prevented from sailing due to the threat of Basyang.

PCG units were told to strictly implement guidelines regarding movement of vessels during heavy weather.

Basyang was last estimated at 185 km West Southwest of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, having maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kph, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said in its 5 a.m. weather bulletin.

The state weather bureau said Basyang would exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday morning. /cbb