Photo grabbed from PCG Surigao del Norte Facebook Page
BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stations in Surigao del Norte and the Dinagat Islands issued separate advisories Thursday for temporary suspension of sea travels in their jurisdictions for the safety of mariners.
This came after a gale warning issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) at 5 a.m. Thursday indicated rough to very rough sea conditions in the two provinces due to strong gale-force winds caused by the northeast monsoon and the trough of the low-pressure area (LPA).
As of 3 a.m. Thursday, the PAGASA said the LPA was located 750 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
In its advisory, the PCG Surigao del Norte temporarily suspended the sea travels of vessels and watercraft with 20 gross tonnages and below plying the Bucas Grande-Claver-Siargao sea route.
“The sea travels of vessels with 35 gross tonnages and below from Surigao City to Bucas Grande, Dinagat Islands, and Siargao Island are also suspended temporarily,” the PCG Surigao del Norte said.
In a separate order, the PCG station in Dinagat Islands also momentarily called off voyages of vessels and watercraft with 350 tonnages and below within its jurisdictions.
“Vessels allowed to sail are further reminded to take precautionary measures and be extra vigilant in monitoring the incoming weather disturbance,” the PCG Dinagat said.
Owners of vessels and watercraft who intend to take shelter will be permitted with no passengers onboard and with a prior written request, it added.
The PAGASA also reminded residents in the Caraga Region to be alert as the trough of the LPA will bring light to heavy rains that would cause flooding and possible landslides. (PNA)
