Gale conditions suspend sea

travel in the Western Visayas
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Gale conditions caused by Tropical Storm Falcon forced the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to cancel sea trips yesterday for small vessels.
Based on information released by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the western and southern seaboards, including the Western Visayas, were experiencing wind forces of up to 45 kilometers per hour (kph), with monsoon conditions that could potentially reduce visibility.
PAGASA also noted in its gale warning, sea conditions are expected to be rough to very rough with wave heights of up to 4.5 meters.
PCG-Negros Occidental commander, Lt. Senior Grade Rockcliff Buling, said vessels below 250 gross tonnage have been barred from leaving port with the exception of three vessels, one from ferry company Oceanjet and two from Weesam Express.
Roll-on/Roll-off vessels, meanwhile, were allowed to continue trips normally.
Buling also said motorboat service between Pulupandan and Guimaras was also suspended.
Despite the cancellations, the PCG commander noted that there were no stranded passengers at ports across the province./DGB, WDJ