The Maayo Shipping Inc. on Wednesday suspended all its barge trips to and from Negros Oriental, Cebu, and Siquijor after Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 was hoisted over these provinces due to Typhoon Odette.
Dante Uymatiao, the company’s manager, told the Philippine News Agency that based on government policy, all sea travels are automatically suspended once Signal No. 1 is raised over an area.
“It is still uncertain when we will resume our trips, perhaps the earliest on Friday night or the latest, on Saturday morning,” he said, adding that it all depends on when the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) would lift the storm warning signal.
Maayo Shipping has eight barges plying the said three provinces in Central Visayas.
Uymatiao said he has to secure these barges, citing weather reports that the typhoon would bring heavy rains, strong winds, and huge waves.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station here has also announced the temporary suspension of voyages for all types of sea vessels from Negros Oriental to Cebu and the northern portion of Zamboanga del Norte regardless of tonnage.
Vessels that intend to take shelter would be allowed, the PCG said, provided a written request is made with the agency and no passengers or crew are on board.
Source: Philippines New Agency
