More than 55,000 passengers took last minute trips in various sea ports on Good Friday, March 29, to spend the Holy Week break in the province. 

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that there were 27,840 outbound passengers and 27,632 inbound passengers monitored in all ports nationwide as of 12 noon.

The PCG deployed 3,843 frontline personnel in all of its 15 coast guard districts and they were able to inspect 242 vessels and 1,461 motorboats.

PCG personnel provided medical assistance to some passengers, cargo helpers, and port employees who experienced health issues due to extreme heat.

At Pier 1 in Cebu Port, a cargo helper was brought to the hospital by PCG personnel when he suddenly collapsed.

"The PCG continues to remind passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers to be prepared for potential traffic congestion while travelling and to stay hydrated amid the extreme summer heat," PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo said.

A female passenger who experienced severe breathing difficulties was also assisted by PCG marshals on board passenger ship MV Davsam IV while the vessel was in the vicinity waters off Davao City.

The PCG said the passenger, whose identity was not divulged, has a chronic kidney disease.

She was transferred to an ambulance when the passenger ship arrived at the Davsam Ferry Terminal in Panacan, Davao City.

First aid medical assistance was also provided by PCG personnel to a male passenger of MV Maria Theresa who suddenly suffered from shortness of breath while they were underway to Bacolod City.

The patient was identified as Edmund Zamora, a resident of Hinigaran, Negros Occidental. He was already in good condition as of this writing.

A female boat passenger was also given first aid by PCG responders in Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal.

Maxima Mendiola, 56, of Brgy. Sapang in Talim Island, was traveling by boat when she suddenly experienced difficulty in breathing.

PCG personnel gave Mendiola first aid when the boat arrived at the shore before she was rushed to the Margarito Municipal Hospital for further observation.

Personnel of the PCG Sub-Station Puerto Galera were also deployed in Brgy. San Isidro, Puerto Galera, Occidental Mindoro to monitor a regatta (yacht race).

Around 30 yachts were participating in the event which will take place until Easter Sunday, March 31.