BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard has ordered the temporary suspension of travel of sea vessels and watercraft with 250 tonnage and below in Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Siargao Islands on Saturday morning.
In an advisory, the Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte (CGSSDN) said the eastern seaboards of Visayas and Mindanao continue to experience strong to gale-force winds associated with the northeast monsoon.
“The prevailing unfavorable weather may bring cloudy skies, rain and strong winds, with rough to very rough sea conditions, with estimated wave heights ranging from 2.8 to 4.5 meters, according to the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration,” the CGSSDN advisory said.
It added that the temporary suspension is in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 03-01 dated Feb. 2, 2001, which outlines guidelines on the movement of motorboats and vessels in the absence of a weather bulletin in the locality.
“The temporary suspension is also a proactive measure of the station to ensure the safety of life and property at sea,” the CGSSDN said.
The same advisory was also issued by the CGS in Dinagat Islands and Siargao Island.
“Masters of vessels authorized to sail are strongly advised to exercise precautionary measures and maintain heightened vigilance at all times while navigating, particularly during periods of unpredictable weather and unfavorable sea conditions,” the CGSSDN said. (PNA)
