Gale Warning Forces 8 Vessels in Cebu to Cancel Trips

A gale warning from the state weather bureau, PAGASA, on Thursday forced eight inter-island vessels to cancel their trips out of Cebu, stranding hundreds of passengers in Cebu ports.

Gerald Medina of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Cebu said the vessels that cancelled their trips were bound for Guihulngan in Negros Oriental and Estancia and San Carlos City in Negros Occidental.

Most of these vessels cross the Tanon Strait, the body of water separating the islands of Cebu and Negros.

Jhomer Eclarino, PAGASA weather specialist in Mactan, said the gale warning was issued not just over Cebu but also in Negros Occidental and the rest of the western and eastern coasts of Visayas.

Eclarino said the strong winds in these areas cause waves that are two to three meters high, which are dangerous for small vessels.

Cebu has also experienced light to moderate intermittent rains since Thursday morning until the afternoon.

Eclarino said moderate rains are usually experienced in the afternoon or evening. (PNA)
CVL/EB/EDS