THE Philippine Coast Guard suspended sea travel between Surigao City, Siargao Islands, and Dinagat Islands yesterday due to strong gale-force winds caused by the southwest monsoon (habagat).
Coast Guard Surigao del Norte Spokesperson, Ensign Christopher Roy Orillaneda, reported that a fast craft bound for Liloan, Leyte, had to turn back to Surigao City on September 15 after encountering waves as high as three to five meters.
“Some boat skippers chose to return to port rather than risk facing gale-force winds and rough seas,” Orillaneda said in a phone interview.
The Coast Guard issued warnings based on reports from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) about worsening weather conditions affecting the waters between Surigao del Norte, Leyte, Dinagat, and Siargao Islands.
In Travel Advisory No. 1, issued at 5 am on September 15, Surigao del Norte Coast Guard Station Commander Lt. Christian Robert Nieto temporarily suspended all voyages of vessels 250 gross tons and below. Fishermen were also advised to stay ashore.
The Surigao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office confirmed that the suspension impacted fishing boats under 50 gross tons and fast crafts traveling between Surigao City, Dinagat, Siargao, and Liloan.
On September 11, Coast Guard responders rescued two passengers from a small boat that sank in rough seas off Surigao City. A nearby fishing boat rescued six other passengers.
