Boat trips cancelled due to rough seas

CEBU, Philippines - Despite the relatively good weather as compared to last week when typhoon Seniang caused much damage in the Visayas, small sea vessels were advised not to sail out yesterday.

This, as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Association issued a gale warning that sea waves could reach 3 to 4.5 meters high.

"Strong to gale force winds associated with the northeast monsoon, strong to gale force winds is expected to affect seaboards of Luzon and Visayas. Samar and Leyte provinces, Negros provinces, Cebu, Bohol, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique. Weather cloudy skies with light rains. Wind force (52-63) (28-34) sea conditions rough to very rough," read the gale warning number 65 issued yesterday afternoon.

Philippine Coast Guard Cebu station commander Rodolfo Villajuan issued the restriction to small seacrafts in Dumaguete City due to rough seas.

"Those departing Dumaguete for vessels 250 gross tonnage and below. Basically on case by case basis. Elsewhere normal," Villajuan told The Freeman.

The coast guard restriction was issued at 3:30 pm.

PCG Central Visayas chief Commodore William Melad explained that cancellation of vessel trips is done even without a tropical cyclone.

"That is judgment call of station commander. Especially if there is gale warning issued by PAGASA. Usually, small sea crafts 250 GT and below. We do not have to instruct them to cancel. It is stated in an existing circular. Normally it is done to small sea crafts," Melad explained.

 In Ormoc City, hundreds of passengers were frustrated and had to reschedule their trips due to the cancellation.

It was also learned that a 2Go fastcraft, which was already on its way to Ormoc City from Cebu, was forced to go back to its port of origin after encountering huge waves in the open seas. —ATO (FREEMAN)