‘Kristine’ strands over 8K in 136 ports in PH

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday issued a maritime safety advisory after severe tropical storm “Kristine” stranded more than 8,000 people in 136 ports and disrupted maritime operations across the country.

The PCG said that of the 8,786 persons stranded, 650 were in Southern Tagalog ports; 3,750 in Bicol; 1,127 in Eastern Visayas; 1,553 in Northeastern Mindanao; 617 in Central Visayas; 265 in Western Visayas; and 674 in Southern Visayas.

It said it had also forced 2,725 rolling loads, 142 ships and 65 engine banks, 351 ships and 327 engine banks into shelter.

Meanwhile, PCG Station Batangas acted quickly as MV Super Shuttle Roro 2 started drifting towards the multi-purpose berth at Batangas Port.

At about 4:31 a.m., the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) Batangas issued an alarm alerting port authorities to the ship’s precarious situation. The MV Super Shuttle Roro 2, owned by Asian Marine Transport Corporation and anchored outside the Delta Anchorage Area since November 5, 2023, had lost its anchor due to high winds and large waves.

Coast Guard Substation Batangas City was dispatched to assist and confirmed that the vessel was “dead” with three crew members on board. A tugboat, Motor Tug Sedar 6, was also deployed, but the towing operation was aborted at 5:28 PM due to deteriorating sea conditions.

The ship was eventually secured at the berth and operations will resume once weather conditions improve. The PCG continues to monitor the situation and advises all mariners to exercise caution during this storm.