Sea Travel Suspended in Surigao and Caraga Islands Due to Strong Winds and Waves

Sea travel in Surigao City, Siargao, and Dinagat Islands has been temporarily suspended due to gale-force winds and rough sea conditions caused by the southwest monsoon, locally known as "habagat." The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued the suspension in response to warnings from PAGASA, the national weather bureau, about worsening sea conditions.

What travellers need to know about the sea travel suspension in Surigao and Caraga Islands

The suspension affects sea vessels weighing 250 gross tons and below, including fast crafts plying routes between Surigao City, Dinagat Islands, Siargao, and Liloan in Leyte. Local fishermen using smaller boats, especially those under 50 gross tons, have also been advised to stay ashore for their safety. The strong winds and three- to five-metre-high waves are too dangerous for small vessels to navigate.

Surigao del Norte Coast Guard Ensign Christopher Roy Orillaneda confirmed that a fast craft travelling to Liloan, Leyte, was forced to return to Surigao City on September 15 after encountering the perilous waves. Many boat skippers made the wise decision to head back to port rather than risk being caught in the severe weather.

Lieutenant Christian Robert Nieto, the Surigao del Norte Coast Guard station commander, emphasised the importance of keeping small boats and inexperienced crews from venturing out to sea until conditions improve. The suspension is expected to remain in place until the seas calm down, ensuring the safety of both passengers and crew.

The Coast Guard's swift action has already proven to be critical. On September 11, two passengers of a small boat that sank off Surigao City were rescued by Coast Guard responders. Six other passengers were saved by a passing fisherman, highlighting the dangerous nature of the sea during these conditions.

Meanwhile, in Manticao, Misamis Oriental, a search operation for missing fisherman Leo Tecson has been temporarily halted due to strong waves. Tecson has been missing since September 13, and local disaster response teams continue to monitor the situation, hoping for better conditions to resume the search.

Also read: Tropical Storm Bebinca to Enter PAR: What Travellers Need to Know

With sea travel grounded for now, authorities urge residents and tourists in the region to monitor weather updates and exercise caution. The southwest monsoon, along with incoming weather systems, serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the sea during the typhoon season.

Feature image credit: Rappler | Official website