BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) released a travel advisory temporarily suspending travel for all ships and sea vessels within the province of Surigao del Norte, Siargao group of islands, and the neighboring province of Dinagat Islands, given the possible risk posed by worsening sea conditions caused by Tropical Depression Kristine which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday, October 21.
The Coast Guard Station (CGS) Surigao del Norte Sea Travel Advisory No. 2 released to the public at around 7:30 pm on Monday updated the first travel advisory released at around noon, which initially allowed RORO vessels above 300 Gross Tonnage to travel with strict guidelines for implementation.
The new Coast Guard advisory emphasized that all sea vessels, regardless of tonnage, are prohibited from traveling as worsening sea conditions are anticipated.
“This advisory has been upgraded to the suspension of voyages to cover all forms of vessels, watercraft regardless of type, and tonnage, in relation to the Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 3 for Tropical Depression Kristine issued by PAGASA at 5:00 in the afternoon,” said Ensign Roy Christopher R. Orillaneda, acting station commander of CGS Surigao del Norte.
Orillaneda added that sea vessels that intend to take shelter shall be permitted for as long as they have a written request and have no passengers or cargo on board.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier said Kristine could strengthen into a tropical storm within 12 hours. It could become a severe tropical storm on Wednesday, and a typhoon on Thursday, before hitting land. (READ: Tropical Depression Kristine slows down, rapid intensification not ruled out)
“We constantly remind everyone to take precautionary measures and be extra vigilant in monitoring the prevailing weather disturbance. Voyage of vessels will resume until further notice and upon improvement of weather and sea conditions. The widest dissemination of this information and cooperation of all concerned is highly encouraged for the safety of life and property at sea,” said Orillaneda.
The cancellation of voyages will affect travelers going to Surigao City, Dinagat Island, and Siargao for two big events — the commemoration of the 40th Battle of Surigao Strait in Surigao City on October 25, and the Siargao International Surfing Cup on October 26. – Rappler.com