CEBU -- Hundreds of passengers were stranded in Cebu ports Tuesday morning as 14 vessels cancelled their trips after the state weather bureau issued a gale warning for the eastern coast of Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor.
Commander Dionlett Ampil of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Cebu Station said vessels that are 250 gross tons and below are not allowed to sail if a gale warning is issued.
Ampil said the gale warning affected trips to and from the ports of Bantayan Island, Camotes Island, and from Tinago in Cebu City bound for Tagbilaran, Ormoc City and Negros.
He said the PCG is also updating the number of affected passengers.
Vhan Singson, weather specialist of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in Mactan, said that sea conditions in Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor are rough to very rough.
Singson said wave height would reach from 3.4 to 4.5 meters and are dangerous for small seacraft.
Singson said they issued the gale warning because of the presence of northeast monsoon or “Amihan.” (PNA)