Summary
CEBU
SUMMARY
H.O. Pub. No. 91, Sailing Directions for the Philippine Islands, describes Cebu City as an ideal harbor with safe anchorages and protected from winds from all sides. However, interviews with harbor officials revealed that extensive damage has occurred within the confines of the harbor as a direct result of close passages of typhoons. Harbor officials cited the passage of Typhoon Amy which produced sustained winds up to 85 kt on 10 December 1951, resulting in the destruction of seven inter-island vessels. Also cited were instances where larger vessels (none larger than U.S. Destroyer class) dragged anchor in the outer harbor under much lighter winds. Other key factors that make Cebu City less than desirable as a typhoon haven are:
1. Maneuvering is severely restricted within the harbor. (Use of the inner harbor is not recommended and is restricted during winds above approximately 12 kt, during ebb tide or during the event of tropical cyclone-associated tides.)
2. The threat of other vessels adrift in the confined harbor.
3. The likely absence of sheltered berths for U.S. ships within the inner harbor due to overcrowding by inter-island vessels.
After considering the above facts and the many discussions with experienced personnel at Cebu City, it is the conclusion of this study that, although Cebu City does afford relatively good shelter in the majority of typhoon passages, it should not be considered an "unqualified" typhoon haven. Larger combatants (cruiser, etc.) would find the size and obstructions severely restrictive. The cost in terms of time and money of evasion would be small since the evasion routes are short and relatively direct. Smaller craft, given ample warning time, should also be able to evade into the navigable semicircle. If ample warning time is not given, or the means to evade does not exist, only limited, relatively safe anchorage is present for a limited number of small vessels. Since inter-island vessels occupy virtually all the inner harbor berths and anchorages suitable for U.S. craft, assignment will likely be made to south anchorage.
Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/phillipi/cebu/text/summary.htm
