Ports ops back to normal after ‘Uwan’ wind signal lifted

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Bicol allowed domestic vessels to sail and move stranded passengers and rolling cargoes on Monday evening, after Typhoon “Uwan” (Fung-Wong) left the region.

The PCG confirmed the lifting of the sea travel ban in separate advisories, following the removal of the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) for the entire region by the state weather bureau.

This means that 2,595 passengers and 1,147 rolling cargoes stranded at the various ports in Bicol could now proceed to their destinations.

On Friday night, the suspension of trips stranded 2,199 passengers in Sorsogon province, 216 in Albay, 172 in Masbate, and eight in Camarines Sur.

A total of 1,147 rolling cargoes and six vessels were also stranded in Bicol ports because of rough seas.

In Masbate, all vessel trips, including operations to the Burias and Ticao Islands, were permitted to resume voyages as of 5 p.m. on Monday.

However, “all vessels and watercrafts, particularly motorbancas and small fishing boats, are strongly advised to exercise utmost caution due to the prevailing weather conditions associated with Typhoon Uwan,” PCG Masbate Station Commander Lt. Junior Grade John Louis Sibayan reminded.

In Sorsogon and Albay, passenger, cargo, and roll-on, roll-off (Ro-ro) vessels were cleared to sail on Monday, according to the Coast Guard advisories for the two provinces.

In Catanduanes, all passenger and cargo vessels, including motorized bancas, have resumed voyages.

Sea travel restrictions were also lifted in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte early this morning, their Coast Guard stations reported.

Uwan was last monitored 365 kilometers west of Calayan, Cagayan, which is outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. (PIA Bicol/Masbate)