MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued a maritime safety advisory on Thursday as Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” stranded over 8,000 people in 136 ports and disrupted maritime operations nationwide.
The PCG said of the 8,786 stranded individuals, 650 were in Southern Tagalog ports; 3,750 in Bicol; 1,127 in Eastern Visayas; 1,553 in Northeastern Mindanao; 617 in Central Visayas; 265 in Western Visayas; and 674 in Southern Visayas.
It said it also forced 2,725 rolling cargoes, 142 vessels, and 65 motor bancas, 351 vessels and 327 motor bancas to take shelter.
Meanwhile, the PCG Station Batangas acted swiftly as MV Super Shuttle Roro 2 began drifting toward the Multi-purpose Berth at Batangas Port.
At approximately 4:31 a.m, the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) Batangas issued an alarm alerting port authorities of the vessel’s precarious situation. The MV Super Shuttle Roro 2, owned by Asian Marine Transport Corporation and anchored outside the Delta Anchorage Area since Nov. 5, 2023, had lost its anchor amid strong winds and large waves.
Coast Guard Sub-Station Batangas City was dispatched to assist, confirming the vessel was “dead” with three crew members aboard. A tugboat, Motor Tug Sedar 6, was also deployed but the towing operation was aborted at 5:28 p.m. due to deteriorating sea conditions.
The vessel was ultimately secured at the berth, and operations will resume once weather conditions improve. The PCG continues to monitor the situation and advised all mariners to exercise caution during this storm.
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