Tragic Dock Accident Claims Life as Cargo Ship Capsizes During Loading Operation
A 43-year-old dock worker was killed instantly in a harrowing incident at the port of Naga City, Philippines, when a mooring rope snapped and struck him during the capsizing of a cargo vessel. The victim, identified as Junry Baricog from Purok Sambag 2, Barangay Inuboran, Naga City, suffered fatal head injuries after being hit by the rope and thrown three meters away.
Details of the Capsizing Incident
The accident occurred on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, around 10:00 PM at the Apo Cement Corp. port in Naga City. The cargo vessel, MV Maria Theresa 1, was loading approximately 100 tons of cement when it became unbalanced and capsized. During this event, the mooring rope attached to bitts or posts on the dock broke loose.
Jun Albiso, a coworker of the deceased, revealed that he and three other workers were on the upper deck of their adjacent ship, MV Jehan-8, watching the unfolding disaster. They heard shouts from the capsizing vessel as workers attempted to jump to safety. Suddenly, the snapped rope whipped toward Baricog, striking him in the face and causing his immediate death.
Response and Investigation Efforts
Upon receiving the report, personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard-Coast Guard Sub-Station Naga City swiftly responded to the scene. Captain Jerome Y. Lozada, commander of Coastguard Central Cebu, confirmed that there were 19 workers on board the MV Maria Theresa 1 at the time of the capsizing. Fortunately, all workers, including an oiler trapped in the engine room, were rescued unharmed.
Baricog was rushed to the Naga City Infirmary but was pronounced dead upon arrival. His body has been returned to his family home, where relatives are appealing for assistance from the agencies involved in his employment.
The Philippine Coast Guard has launched a thorough investigation to determine if there were any deficiencies or violations in the loading procedures of the cement cargo. This probe aims to uncover the causes behind the ship's loss of balance and the subsequent failure of the mooring rope.
Safety Concerns and Community Impact
This tragic event highlights significant safety risks in maritime and port operations, particularly during cargo handling. The sudden capsizing of the MV Maria Theresa 1 underscores the need for stringent adherence to loading protocols and regular maintenance of equipment like mooring ropes.
Local authorities and maritime agencies are urged to review safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. The community of Naga City mourns the loss of Junry Baricog, a hardworking laborer whose life was cut short in this devastating workplace incident.
