Coast Guards Clear Tambobo Bay

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Oriental has completed clearing operations in Tambobo Bay, Siaton, to prepare the area for the start of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ferry services at Tambobo Port.

According to Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, station commander of the Coast Guard in Negros Oriental, divers began removing submerged mooring lines on Monday. These lines, typically used by fishing boats, were located at the entrance channel of the bay and posed a potential hazard for larger vessels.

The clearing was necessary to ensure safe passage for the RoRo ferry that will soon operate between Siaton and Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte.

Submerged Mooring Lines Removed from Navigation Channel

Lt. Enopia explained that the mooring lines had been installed by local fishing boats to secure their vessels in the bay. However, their placement near the mouth of Tambobo Bay made them a risk for the incoming RoRo ferry service.

To address the issue, Coast Guard scuba divers carefully removed the underwater lines that could obstruct the ferry’s route to Tambobo Port.

Fishing boats will still be able to operate in the area. Boat owners can continue using alternative mooring lines positioned outside the navigation channel or simply anchor their vessels in other parts of the bay where ferry operations will not be affected.

Maiden Voyage of M/V Ocean 6 Rescheduled

The launch of the new RoRo route will be serviced by the vessel M/V Ocean 6, which will operate between Tambobo Port in Siaton and Pulauan Port in Dapitan City. Originally scheduled to begin last Sunday, the ferry’s maiden voyage has now been moved to Friday as final preparations are completed. The vessel is capable of carrying up to 30 cargo trucks per trip and is expected to operate one round-trip voyage daily in the initial phase.

Temporary Solution During San Juanico Bridge Repairs

The opening of Tambobo Port in Barangay Bonbonon is considered a temporary but important solution to transportation disruptions caused by ongoing repairs at the San Juanico Bridge. With truck traffic being redirected through Negros Oriental, the new RoRo connection will help ease logistical bottlenecks and provide an alternative route for cargo transport between the Visayas and Mindanao.

Removal of Wrecked Boats and Debris in Tambobo Bay

In addition to removing mooring lines, the Coast Guard also cleared several damaged or partially submerged fishing boats from the bay. Some of these vessels were located near the port area, while others were found in parts of the bay where private yachts are typically anchored. Although the removal of shipwrecks falls primarily under the responsibility of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), the Coast Guard assisted in the effort to ensure that the bay is safe for incoming vessels.

Fishing Boats Can Still Use the Port Area

Despite the new RoRo operations, local fishing boats will still be allowed to use the pier facilities. However, access to the RoRo ramp and its immediate surroundings will be restricted, as this section is designated exclusively for ferry loading and unloading operations involving cargo trucks. Authorities emphasized that these measures are intended to maintain both maritime safety and efficient port operations once the RoRo service begins.