Sea travelers warned: Be alert as weather turns bad

Scenes like this, of sea travelers stranded at ferry terminals, are common during bad weather. The Coast Guard had asked travelers to be alert as bad weather was expected to be the norm. —JUNJIE MENDOZA

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reminded passengers of sea vessels to be alert and cautious especially in bad weather that the state weather bureau said would become more frequent this month.

PCG spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo also urged passengers to report incidents of overloaded ships which may pose a risk especially in rough seas.

“Since typhoon season has begun, this is the season when accidents at sea are more likely. So we want to remind our passengers to be cautious and be observant of weather disturbances,” he said.

Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said two to three tropical cyclones may enter the country this July.

The months of July and August are usually the worst months in the country’s wet season.

Balilo pointed out that in case of a public storm warning signal number 1, this means that sea vessels are not allowed to go out to sea.

“They shouldn’t travel when the waves are strong. The public should understand,” he said.