TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard suspended voyages for all types of vessels and watercraft after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration hoisted tropical cyclone wind signal No. 1 due to tropical depression “Kristine” in parts of Eastern Visayas.
The order affecting western Leyte and eastern Leyte and the provinces of Southern Leyte, Biliran, Eastern Samar, and western Samar is in accordance with HPCG Memorandum Circular No. 02-23 or the Revised Guidelines on the Movement of Vessel During Heavy Weather dated March 23, 2023.
"All vessels are reminded to take precautionary measures and be extra vigilant in monitoring the movement of the tropical depression if deemed to be affected by the weather disturbance," the PCG said.
Voyages will resume until further notice and upon improvement of weather and sea conditions, it said.
The PCG added that vessels intending to take shelter shall be permitted, provided it is manifested through a written request and no passengers or cargo will be allowed on board.
Kristine was last spotted at 11 a.m. on Monday at 870 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph and moving west-southwest over the Philippine Sea at 30 kph.