Thousands stranded by “Caloy”

CEBU, Philippines - Before melting into a Low Pressure Area, Tropical Depression Caloy left more than a thousand passengers stranded in Central Visayas.

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, a total of 1,767 passengers were stranded in different ports around the region, said Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas District chief of staff Commander Weniel Azcuna.

Cebu Province had the most number of stranded passengers at 1,547 passengers. Dumaguete had 206 while Bohol had 14.

Azcuna explained that Dumaguete PCG station covers the Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces sea ports.

"We started cancelling trips since 11 p.m. last (Friday) night, when PAGASA raised public storm signal warning 1," he said.

A total of 23 passenger cargo vessels were prevented from sailing from different ports in Central Visayas.

There were 18 vessels cancelled, while Tagbilaran and Dumaguete ports had four and one, respectively.

Moreover, eight motorbancas were not permitted to proceed to their destinations; six in Cebu and two others in Bohol.

Since Caloy dissipated into an LPA as per the 5 p.m. weather bulletin of PAGASA, Azcuna said they have allowed vessels to proceed with scheduled trips to various destinations in the country.

"As of the moment, our ports still have stranded passengers but we expect this to lessen since trip cancellations have already been lifted," Azcuna said shortly after the lifting of the trip cancellations.

PCG Central Visayas did not report any sea mishaps caused by unpleasant sea conditions brought about by Caloy.  (FREEMAN)