ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Coastguard (PCG) suspended boat trips for the second straight day on Monday to prevent sea tragedy amid inclement weather condition prevailing over Region 9 or Western Mindanao.
Lieutenant Commander Alvin Dagalea, Zamboanga Coastguard Station chief, told the Philippine News Agency the boat trips have remained suspended since Sunday as rough seas prevailed in the Basilan Strait due to inclement weather thereby dangerous for boats to sail.
“The boat skippers themselves have even decided (on Monday) not to sail due to big waves ‘outside,’ referring to the Basilan Strait,” Dagalea added.
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported on Monday that Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will experience scattered light to moderate with occasionally heavy rains which may cause flood, landslide, strong winds and lightnings brought about by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
On Sunday, October 15, the ITCZ caused cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol, Mimaropa, Western and Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu and Basilan.
Affected by the boat trips’ suspension since Sunday are those plying from this city to the nearby provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi as well as to Zamboanga del Sur.
Dagalea disclosed that hundreds of passengers have been stranded brought about by the suspension of boat trips.
“Some of them slept overnight (Sunday) at the passenger terminal building but most went home,” Dagalea said, adding that at least 265 passengers showed up on Monday at the local port.
Stranded passengers, especially those from Basilan, have sought refuge from their relatives in this city.
Dagalea said the boat trips will resume Tuesday but it will depend on the weather condition.
He added that the passenger and cargo ferries plying to the nearby provinces have already sought safe refuge at this city’s shipyard in Barangay Cawit, this city. (PNA)
