ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard has prohibited all sea travel in the southern parts of Philippines as Tropical Storm Vinta barreled across Mindanao on Friday. The order to ground all watercraft left thousands who get around the region by ship and boat stranded. Alvin Dagalea, Coast Guard station commander and spokesman of the 3rd Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, said the order took effect as Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. Dagalea said the Coast Guard started cancelling the trips of big cargo vessels that sail to Visayas and Luzon areas on Thursday. Dagalea said the Coast Guard has deployed their quick response teams to coastal areas to respond to distress and emergency calls.

Source: Philippine Star December 22, 2017 06:33 UTC