PCG Suspends Small Vessel Trips in Southern Leyte Due to Rough Seas

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday suspended the voyage of all vessels and watercraft with a gross tonnage (GT) in Maasin City, Limasawa Island, and Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte due to deteriorating sea conditions brought by the southwest monsoon. The suspension was issued by Coast Guard Station Southern Leyte. This navigation ban is implemented during the season when the southwest monsoon, a seasonal weather phenomenon affecting the entire Philippines, causes rough seas, particularly in coastal areas. Southern Leyte, due to its geographical characteristics, is one of the regions susceptible to the monsoon's impact. While the current ban prioritizes the safety of passengers and cargo, it may cause temporary disruptions to the local economy, especially the fishing and tourism industries, as well as inter-island logistics. In the Philippines, such navigation restrictions are often observed during the monsoon season. The impact is particularly significant in areas that are economically reliant on coastal transportation. The government is called upon to consider measures to ensure safety during inclement weather, alongside ensuring alternative transportation and mitigating the impact on the local economy.