ILOILO City — The usually busy waters of Aklan and Boracay turned calm but empty on Saturday, November 8, as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ordered the suspension of all sea travel and watersports activities due to the approach of Typhoon “Uwan” (international name: Fung-Wong).
In separate advisories issued late Friday and early Saturday, the PCG–Aklan Station in Malay grounded vessels and banned all water recreation activities to prevent accidents as strong winds and rough seas prevail across Western Visayas.
The suspension covers ferry routes from Caticlan Port to Batangas, Mindoro, and Romblon, as well as local trips from Dumaguit and Alegria ports. Even activities within Boracay Island — including scuba and helmet diving, paraw sailing, island-hopping, and sunset cruises — have been canceled following coordination with the Aklan provincial government, LGU-Malay, and the Boracay Water Sports Association.
LCDR Val Ernie F. Daitao, PCG–Aklan station commander, said the measures were taken for public safety while the province remains under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1.
“All fisherfolks and coastal residents are strongly advised to stay ashore and avoid venturing out to sea while the warning is in effect,” Daitao said.
The advisories cited moderate to rough sea conditions, with waves reaching up to 2.8 meters and strong northeast to northwest winds caused by Typhoon “Uwan.”
As of Friday night, the storm was located 1,045 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, packing maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 150 kph. PAGASA warned that Uwan may trigger scattered rains and thunderstorms across the Visayas over the weekend.
The Coast Guard said resumption of suspended trips will depend on updated bulletins from PAGASA.
Western Visayas has been on heightened alert since Typhoon “Tino” drenched several provinces earlier last week, leaving roads flooded and coastal towns waterlogged. With seas yet to settle, authorities said even minor weather disturbances could easily worsen sea conditions./PN
