TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station in Southern Leyte has issued a maritime safety advisory after a red navigational buoy near a port in Maasin City was reported missing or has drifted following the recent onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm “Tino” and Super Typhoon “Uwan.”
In its notice issued on Monday, Nov.18, the Coast Guard said the buoy — believed to be a port lateral mark — was last observed in the general approach area of Maasin Port at approximate coordinates 10° 7’22.79”N, 124°50’52.99”E.
The missing aid to navigation is described as a red buoy with port lateral marking and a light characteristic of flashing two red lights every five seconds (Fl 2R 5s).
Authorities warned that the absence of the buoy poses a potential navigational hazard, especially during nighttime, periods of low visibility, or rough sea conditions, and could affect inbound and outbound vessel movements near the port.
“All vessels transiting the area are advised to navigate with extreme caution, maintain proper lookout, and adjust speed as necessary to prevent collision, grounding, or any untoward maritime incident,” the advisory stated.
The PCG urged mariners, fisherfolk, vessel operators, and port stakeholders to immediately report any sighting or location of the missing buoy — whether adrift, grounded, or recovered — to the nearest Coast Guard Station or Sub-Station.
The Coast Guard also encouraged coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Port Police, local government units, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Bantay Dagat units to hasten the recovery and reinstallation of the navigational marker in accordance with HPCG Memorandum Circular 02-23 and existing maritime safety directives.
(JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
