A maritime safety advisory issued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is effective from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday (July 18, 2025). The PCG said more than 1,000 individuals are so far stranded in ports nationwide due to inclement weather brought by Tropical Storm Crising. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
Tropical Storm Crising has thrown maritime travel into chaos, leaving more than 1,000 passengers and cargo personnel stranded across the country’s ports as of Friday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
In its latest maritime safety advisory, the PCG reported that a total of 1,024 individuals — including passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers — have been affected by the suspension of sea travel in 37 ports nationwide.
A staggering number of vessels and cargoes are also stuck at sea hubs: 348 rolling cargoes, 50 vessels, and 45 motor bancas remain stranded. Additionally, 35 vessels and 12 motor bancas have sought shelter to avoid the storm’s impact.
Breakdown of Stranded Travelers and Vessels by Region:
- Southwestern Mindanao: 117 people, 58 rolling cargoes, and 16 vessels are currently stranded in eight ports.
- Eastern Visayas: Holds the highest number of stranded individuals at 696, along with 255 rolling cargoes, four vessels, and one motor banca stuck in seven ports.
- Northern Mindanao: 159 people, 30 rolling cargoes, and four vessels are unable to leave from three ports.
- Southern Visayas: Although fewer in number, four people, four rolling cargoes, 18 vessels, and 21 motor bancas are stranded across nine ports.
- Palawan and Western Visayas: In Palawan’s Pag-asa Port, one vessel remains docked, while 48 people, one vessel, and seven motor bancas are stranded at Dapdap Pier and RJL Port.
Nationwide cancellations widen
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) confirmed the disruption has led to widespread cancellations of scheduled maritime trips. Affected areas include Bicol, Palawan, Masbate, Biliran, Leyte, Samar, Bohol, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Surigao, and both Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga City.
These cancellations follow the PCG’s enforcement of a “no sail policy” based on the national weather bureau’s forecast.
“Trips are automatically canceled under the no sail policy. In addition, shipping lines may voluntarily cancel trips provided they comply with conditions set under their CPC (Certificate of Public Convenience) issued by MARINA,” the PPA explained.
As Crising continues to bring strong winds and rain, authorities urge travelers to monitor updates and prioritize safety over travel plans.