Fast craft trips from Iloilo-Bacolod, vice-versa cancelled over gale warning

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) cancelled the trips of Bacolod-bound fast crafts coming from Iloilo and vice versa following the hoisting of “gale warning” in Iloilo and Negros Occidental early Wednesday morning. (Photo: 2GoTravel/ Philippines )

ILOILO CITY –The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) cancelled the trips of Bacolod-bound fast crafts coming from Iloilo and vice versa following the hoisting of “gale warning” in Iloilo and Negros Occidental early Wednesday morning.

The cancellation affected those that are of 200 tonnage and below.

PCG-Iloilo commander Lt. Ramil Palabrica said that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued the Gale Warning over Iloilo, Guimaras and Negros Occidental at 5 a.m. Wednesday.

But Palabrica cleared out that there are currently no stranded passengers since fast crafts with over 200 gross tonnage are continuously operating and trips of roll on-roll off vessels are also ongoing via Lapuz Port and Dumangas Port.

Also affected by the cancellation are trips of small passenger boats in Northern Iloilo. It covers boat trips from Ajuy, Iloilo bound for Victorias City, Negros Occidental and Estancia, Iloilo bound for Masbate.

Meanwhile, boat trips from Iloilo bound for Guimaras and vice versa are still ongoing but Palabrica said that they were only allowed to carry 75 percent of its total boat passenger capacity.

Palabrica said trips will resume once PAGASA lifts the gale warning issued in the said areas.

Currently, Palabrica said that the waters of Iloilo are “very rough.”

Small fishermen are advised not to venture in fishing because PCG-Iloilo recorded some missing fishermen weeks ago in Miag-ao, Iloilo as well as in Antique province and Sipalay, Negros Occidental. A small boat also capsized in Bacolod City where two fishermen were rescued last February 13.

PCG here is continuously monitoring weather updates. The public is further advised to be vigilant and maintain safety.