Manila: More than 1,000 individuals are currently stranded in ports nationwide due to inclement weather brought by Tropical Storm Crising on Friday. In a maritime safety advisory, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said 1,024 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers in 37 different ports are affected by cancelled sea voyages.
According to Philippines News Agency, 348 rolling cargoes, 50 vessels, and 45 motor bancas are stranded in the country's ports, in addition to 35 vessels and 12 motor bancas taking shelter from Crising. In Southwestern Mindanao, 117 individuals, 58 rolling cargoes, and 16 vessels are stranded in eight different ports.
In Palawan, one vessel is stranded at the Pag-asa Port, while 48 individuals, one vessel, and seven motor bancas are stranded at the Dapdap Pier and RJL Port in Western Visayas. In Eastern Visayas, 696 individuals, 255 rolling cargoes, four vessels, and one motor banca are stranded in seven different ports.
In Northern Mindanao, 159 individuals, 30 rolling cargoes, and four vessels are stranded in three separate ports. In Southern Visayas, four individuals, four rolling cargoes, 18 vessels, and 21 motor bancas are stranded in nine different ports.
According to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), several scheduled maritime trips have been canceled due to Crising. These cancellations were in the port management offices (PMO) of Bicol, Palawan, Masbate, Western Leyte/Biliran, Eastern Leyte/Samar, Bohol, Negros Oriental/Siquijor, Negros Occidental Bacolod Banago BREDCO, Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro, Surigao, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga.
It noted that these trips were cancelled due to the 'no sail policy' issued by the PCG based on the weather forecast. "Trips are automatically canceled because ships are not allowed to sail. Shipping lines may also cancel trips subject to compliance with the terms of their CPC issued by MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority),' the PPA said.
