‘Egay’ strands more than 2,500 passengers in Bicol

LEGASPI CITY — Tropical storm "Egay" has stranded more than 2,500 passengers in various ports in the Bicol region where Signal No. 2 is hoisted, the Coast Guard said yesterday.

Vice Admiral Reuben Lista, Coast Guard commandant, said his men stopped a ship carrying 1,800 passengers from leaving the Matnog port in Sorsogon due to the stormy weather.

"Our policy is not to let vessels weighing 1,000 gross tons or below from sailing under Signal No. 1," he said.

Lista said the stranded passengers were angry at the Coast Guard’s move. "We have to be safe than sorry. If we allow them to leave the port and an accident takes place, you would surely blame us," he said.

The Coast Guard has enforced stricter measures following the collision of M/V San Nicolas and SuperFerry 12 in Manila Bay last May 25, which left more than 50 people dead.

Bicol Guard Guard commander Crisolito Agustin said 300 commuters were stranded at the Tabaco City port in Albay, 100 at the Virac port in Catanduanes, 198 at the Pilar port in Sorsogon, and 70 in Bulan, also in Sorsogon.

Weather forecasters raised storm Signal No. 2 over the Bicol provinces after "Egay" maintained its strength. The storm is expected to be at 55 kilometers east-northeast of Catarman, Northern Samar this morning. — With Cecille Suerte Felipe