Boat trips to Samal closed due to Vinta
ALL boat trips connecting Davao City to Talicud Island and the main island of Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) have been cancelled until further notice by the Philippine Coast Guard 11 (PCG 11) due to the Tropical Storm Vinta.
PCG Commander George Maganto told SunStar Davao yesterday that the decision to cancel all boat trips was based on the weather forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Pagasa said based on the weather bulletin issued at 11 a.m. yesterday, the sea travel in areas under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS).
Under the PCG advisory as of 6 a.m. yesterday, the trips in Sta. Ana Wharf to Kaputian and vice versa; Sta. Ana Wharf to Talicud and vice versa; Km 11 to Babak and vice versa; Maewess to Babak and vice versa; and DavSam to Babak and vice versa were all cancelled since yesterday.
This advisory is in reference to the HPCG Memorandum Circular Number 03-01 or the guidelines on movement of motorboats/ vessels in the absence of weather bulletin in the locality and HPCG Memorandum Circular Number 02-13 of the guidelines on movement of vessels during heavy weather.
The resumption of the trips will also depend on the advisory of the state weather bureau if it is already safe for sea travel.
“Wala po tayong date and time kung kailan mag resume ang byahe. Depende sa weather forecast from Pagasa,” Maganto said.
All sea travels between Davao City and Samal Island are no longer allowed since 5 p.m. yesterday.
Maganto warned those who will insist to travel despite the cancellation and for those will not heed the regulation that they will face corresponding sanctions.
Maganto said for the, first offense, violators will be penalized amounting to P50,000 and recommendation to Marina for three months suspension of ship’s franchise and Seafarers Identification and Record Book (SIRB) of the Master and Patron.
For the second offense, the operators will be fined P100,000; recommendation MACKY LIM to Marina for six months suspension of SIRB and ship’s franchise; and recommendation to Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) for six months suspension of Master’s License.
Lastly, for the third offense, violators will be fined P150,000 fine; recommendation to Marina and PRC for the cancellation of SIRB, ship’s franchise, company license to operate, and Master’s License.
According to the 11 a.m. weather bulletin yesterday for Tropical Storm Vinta said that the TS maintained its speed and direction as it continues to move toward Eastern Mindanao.
“Scattered to widespread moderate to heavy rains is expected over Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Davao
Region and Northern Mindanao within 24 hours,” it said.
The public are urged to be extra vigilant as it might trigger floods in low-lying areas and landslides as well. The disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions.
“Residents of these areas must make appropriate actions against possible flooding and landslides, coordinate with their respective local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates,” it added.
Vinta is expected to make landfall over Caraga and Davao Region area between late evening yesterday or early morning today.
The Strength of Tropical Storm Vinta is at Maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometer per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph and forecast to move West at 18 kph.