The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended sea travel on Thursday morning in northern Quezon due to rough sea conditions brought about by Tropical Storm Paolo.
The PCG station in Real town announced the temporary suspension of voyages for all vessels and watercraft bound for the Polillo group of islands and General Nakar town, citing the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 and ‘the possible effects of the inclement weather.’
‘Further, all vessels are reminded to take precautionary measures and be extra vigilant in monitoring the movement of the typhoon if deemed to be affected by said weather disturbance,’ the PCG said in a public notice signed by Lt. Dawn Baterbonia, commander of PCG-Northern Quezon.
The PCG added that vessels ‘intending to take shelter shall be permitted, provided a written request is submitted and no passengers or cargo are on board.’
Voyages will only resume once weather and sea conditions improve, the PCG said.
The PCG Real station oversees the coastal towns of Infanta, General Nakar, and the Polillo group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, which include the municipalities of Polillo, Burdeos, Panukulan, Jomalig, and Patnanungan.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) 5 a.m. update, Paolo was located 705 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon.
Paolo was moving west-northwest at 20 km per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph, Pagasa said.