Vessels drop anchor due to huge waves

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas reported 14 vessels, eight motor bancas, and 1,270 passengers were left stranded as of 3 p.m. yesterday due to unfavorable weather conditions.

PCG-CV Spokesperson Weniel Azcuna said yesterday that the affected vessels were bound for Bohol; San Carlos City in Negros Occidental; Ormoc City, Leyte; Cadiz City; Bantayan; Santa Fe; and Sibulan in Negros Oriental.

The motor bancas, on the other hand, were bound for Ubay, Bohol; Bato and Hilongos, Leyte.

Azcuna said the skippers of the fastcrafts and motor bancas volunteered to cancel their trips due to strong waves.

PCG has not issued any mandatory cancellation of trips as there is no storm signal warning in Cebu despite typhoon “Ompong’s” entry into the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, an inter-tropical convergence zone is what is causing the weather disturbance in the Visayas and Mindanao.

PAGASA’s 24-hour public weather forecast issued yesterday stated that the Visayas would experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms.

PAGASA said a moderate to strong wind blowing from the southwest would prevail over the Visayas and its coastal waters would be moderate to rough.

Meanwhile, Azcuna belied the report that an Ocean Jet vessel suffered engine failure while on its way to Cebu City from Ormoc City.

“We verified and we found out nga wa sila napagngan og makina, ni slow down lang sila tungod sa dagkong waves,” he said.

Azcuna said that the affected vessels were expected to arrive at Pier 1 in Cebu City at 5 p.m. yesterday, or an hour delay in their expected arrival. — /RHM (FREEMAN)