Coast Guard grounds small seagoing vessels

The Philippine Coastguard Station-Cebu released a directive prohibiting small sea crafts from going to sea due to bad weather conditions.

Petty Officer 3 Rod Peter Flores of the PCG-Cebu Station told The Freeman Commander Elpidio Gunio issued a directive to all coastguard sub-stations not to allow small sea crafts to sail because of the weather.

“May advise sa lahat ng stations natin na yung maliliit na mga bangka ay di pwedeng lumayag ngayon dahil sa sama ng panahon,” Flores said quoting his commander’s directive.

It has been the rule of the coastguard to dictate who will be allowed sail during bad weather conditions for precautionary measures at sea, especially when there is a storm in the country’s area of responsibility.

But yesterday strong waves and winds prevailed, posing danger to smaller sea crafts traveling the neighboring islands.

Based on the directives, boat captains are given permission to decide whether or nor to sail as long as there is no strong storm coming up.  In storm warning signal no. 1, all boats or ships with less than 1,000 gross tons are not allowed to sail; while in warning no. 2 all boats with less than 2,000 gross tonnage are not allowed to go to sea. 

All vessels and other types of sea going grafts regardless of tonnage are not allowed to sail during storm signal no. 3.

Last Sunday, a motorized banca capsized off Caohagan Islet in Lapu-Lapu City after strong winds followed by strong waves capsized their boat.

Fortunately passing fishing boats saw the floating 17 passengers and crew who were clinging to the boat and rescued them.

In Argao town, a fisherman identified Roselie Zeta Zamora, 30, of barangay Langtad was reported missing since Monday dawn after going out to sea to fish.

He was said to be onboard his fishing boat marked “Sto. Rosario” but failed to return. Efforts are now being made to locate him.  -Edwin Ian Melecio/BRP