250 Cebu-bound passengers stranded due to storm

Some 250 Cebu-bound roll-on roll-off passengers are stranded in the seaports of northern Negros Occidental after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended sea travels due to Tropical Depression “Agaton” between last night and today.

Based on advisory issued by PCG-Northern Negros Occidental station chief, Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, trips between Tabuelan town in Cebu and the ports of Escalante City and Sagay City in Negros Occidental, as well as between Toledo City, Cebu and San Carlos City were suspended at 8:00 last night after the northern part of Cebu was placed under Storm Signal No. 1

Trips remain suspended as of press time.

According to the PCG, about 160 passengers are stranded at the Escalante Port, 33 in Sagay, and 57 at the San Carlos Port.

Despite the inclement weather condition, trips at the BREDCO and Banago Ports in Bacolod City bound for Iloilo City and Dumangas, Iloilo remain unaffected and ferry operations continue throughout the day.

Passengers bound for Panay island continue to arrive at the BREDCO Port this afternoon.
Security and health monitoring are strictly being observed with passengers being asked to show their COVID-19 vaccination cards prior to boarding and those who have arrived from Dumangas.

At present, passenger numbers remain normal, although passenger numbers are expected to pick up by Wednesday afternoon and Holy Thursday.

Fastcraft and roll-on roll-off ferry operators have also announced limited trips by Good Friday, April 15.* (DGB)