Cargo Vessel Capsizes During Cement Loading Operation in Naga City Port
Naga City, Philippines – A tragic maritime accident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, March 11, 2026, when the cargo vessel MV Maria Theresa 1 capsized while loading sacks of cement at the port of Apo Cement Corporation in Naga City. The incident resulted in the death of a 43-year-old worker who was struck by a snapping mooring rope.
Details of the Capsizing Incident
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that the vessel lost balance during the loading process, estimated to involve approximately 100 tons of cement. As the ship began to tilt and eventually capsize around 10:00 PM, the mooring rope attached to bitts or posts on the dock snapped under the strain.
Captain Jerome Y. Lozada, commander of Coastguard Central Cebu, confirmed that all 19 workers aboard the MV Maria Theresa 1 were safe, including an oiler who was trapped in the engine room but rescued unharmed. The Coast Guard Sub-Station Naga City immediately responded to the scene upon receiving the report.
Fatal Consequences for a Bystander
The victim, identified as Junry Baricog from Purok Sambag 2, Barangay Inuboran, Naga City, was on board the adjacent vessel MV Jehan-8 at the time. According to witnesses, Baricog and three co-workers were watching the capsizing ship from the upper deck of their vessel when the mooring rope suddenly whipped toward him.
"We were shouting along with the workers on the other ship, trying to help them escape, but then the rope snapped and hit Junry," said Jun Albiso, a colleague of the deceased. Baricog was struck in the face, thrown approximately three meters, and suffered severe head injuries. He was pronounced dead on the spot.
Efforts to revive him at the Naga City Infirmary were unsuccessful. His body has since been brought to his family home, where relatives are appealing for assistance from the agencies involved.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns
The Philippine Coast Guard has launched an investigation to determine whether there were any deficiencies or violations in the loading procedures that contributed to the capsizing. Authorities are examining if proper weight distribution and safety protocols were followed during the cement loading operation.
This incident highlights the inherent dangers in port operations, particularly during cargo handling. The community and maritime industry are awaiting the findings, which may lead to stricter enforcement of safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
