Coast Guard bans sea travel in southern Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) cancelled all sea travel in this southern part of the region and left hundreds of passengers stranded owing to bad weather brought about by typhoon Glenda.

Lt. Senior Grade Jomark Angue, coast guard station commander, said the cancellation was issued Tuesday morning as rough seas prevailed,  affecting many inter-island vessels plying the Sulu, mainland Mindanao and Visayas areas.

“Although, storm signal was not raised in Western Mindanao areas, observation on the coast suggested the navigation remained unsafe due to strong winds and rough seas,” Angue said.

Affected passengers either went home or stayed at the passenger terminal at the Philippine Port Authority (PPA).

He said the cancellation covered all the type of vessels, including watercraft of fishermen, to prevent any sea accident.

The coast guard initially lifted the cancellation of travel for the nearby Basilan island about 10 a.m., but the cancellation was reinstated as strong winds lashed the coastal sea boards later in the afternoon.

The coast guard official said the travel ban will be lifted once the sea becomes calmer.