Nearly 1,000 passengers, drivers, and cargo helpers were stranded across the country Saturday as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended maritime operations in several regions due to Severe Tropical Storm Crising.
From 8 a.m. to 12 noon, the PCG recorded 900 individuals, 366 rolling cargoes, 50 vessels, and three motorbancas stranded in 44 ports nationwide.
At the same time, 53 vessels and 84 motorbancas sought shelter amid worsening sea conditions.
The highest number of stranded passengers was reported in Eastern Visayas, where 673 individuals and 308 rolling cargoes were stuck at the ports of Bato, Maasin, Benit, and Padre Burgos.
In Western Visayas, 130 people and two vessels were also left stranded, primarily at ports in Iloilo.
In Central Visayas, 19 passengers, 31 rolling cargoes, 19 vessels, and two motorbancas were stranded at ports in Cebu, Bohol, and Camotes Islands. Three more vessels were reported to be taking shelter in the region.
In southwestern Mindanao, authorities noted 15 stranded vessels and five rolling cargoes. Eight vessels and eight motorbancas also sought shelter in the area.
Southern Visayas likewise reported four stranded passengers and nine vessels, while 31 motorbancas and six vessels were taking shelter at ports including Dumaguete, Larena, and San Carlos.
Bicol recorded 74 stranded individuals and 22 cargo trucks at the ports of Bulan and Pasacao.
In Southern Tagalog, one motorbanca was stranded, while 13 vessels took shelter in the ports of Real, San Jose, Balanacan, and Pola.
Palawan had one stranded vessel and five others taking shelter, mainly in Pag-asa and Bancalaan.
Meanwhile, in the National Capital Region and Central Luzon, three vessels were stranded, while 12 vessels along with 25 motorbancas took shelter at the ports of Limay, Mariveles, and Cavite Gateway Terminal.
The PCG continues to monitor port activity and reiterated its call for the public to postpone sea travel until weather conditions improve.
Crising, which has been enhancing the southwest monsoon, has triggered rough seas and heavy rains across parts of Luzon and Visayas.
