Widespread flooding and landslides set off by a tropical storm in Philippines on Thursday. The storm, locally known as tropical storm Kristine, has prompted a desperate rescue operation. Two vessels were reported to be in distress due to strong winds and huge waves amid the severe tropical storm.
The storm winds and waves impacted 124 ports. Early reports said 9,611 passengers / truck drivers /cargo helpers, 2,866 rolling cargoes, 110 vessels, and 33 motorbancas were stranded, while 315 vessels and 256 motorbancas were taking shelter due to the severe tropical storm.
The Philippine Coast Guard responded to a critical situation after MV Super Shuttle Roro 2 began drifting towards the multi-purpose berth at Batangas Port amid strong winds and large waves.
The coast issued an alert warning that the vessel was being dragged by the severe weather conditions toward the berth.
They were reporting that “due to tropical storm Kristine’s powerful winds and waves, the vessel’s anchor broke, causing it to drift close to the port.”
The Coast Guard working with the vessel’s owners dispatched a tugboat. Towing operations however were aborted, PCG said, due to the worsening sea and weather conditions.
In the meantime, the vessel was secured at the berth, and operations will resume once the weather improves, the PCG said yesterday.
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, coast guard also responded to a vessel grounding incident involving LCT ASC Big Boy off the waters of Barangay Sugod, San Agustin, Romblon, the PCG said in a statement.
Photo credit: Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
Acting swiftly, a PCG team proceeded to the location and conducted an initial assessment of the situation.
In accordance with PCG, “the vessel’s anchor chain broke amidst moderate to rough sea conditions, causing it to run aground on a sandy and rocky bottom, around 50 meters from the shoreline of Barangay Sugod.”
The vessel had 17 crewmembers aboard, but no injuries were reported. The coast guard said it was informed that a tugboat will depart from the port of Cebu once the voyage of the vessels is resumed.
Meanwhile, the coast guard remains on high alert and advises all mariners to take precautionary measures during adverse weather conditions. Joint rescue teams are working to assist affected residents and ensure their safety as the storm continues to impact the region.
Video credit: PCG
