All sea travel in southern Philippines canceled

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines- The Philippine Coast Guard canceled all sea travel in the southern part of the country and left hundreds of passengers stranded due to inclement weather caused by tropical storm Glenda, an official said. 

Lt. Senior Grade Jomark Angue, Coast Guard station commander, said the cancellation was issued since Tuesday morning as rough seas prevailed during the whole day, 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 Philippines Port Authority. 

He said the cancellation covered all the type of vessels, including watercrafts 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. However, the cancellation was reinstated as strong winds lashed the coastal seaboards later in the afternoon.

The coast guard official said the travel ban will be lifted until further notice of the sea condition.