A 43-year-old worker died after a cement cargo vessel capsized during loading operations at the port of a cement factory in Barangay Tinaan, Naga City, Cebu on Wednesday night, March 11.
The victim was identified as Junrey Baricog, a resident of Barangay Inoburan.
Baricog worked as a piler, assisting with loading and arranging cargo at the port.
Initial reports said the vessel was carrying sacks of cement and began sinking while cargo was being loaded at around 10 p.m.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Cebu, Jun Alviso, a coworker of the victim, said they were sitting when they suddenly heard someone shout.
When they stood up, they saw the nearby vessel slowly sinking.
During the incident, one of the ropes attached to the vessel snapped due to extreme tension. The rope struck Baricog in the head, causing him to be thrown.
Baricog died from the impact.
Family members expressed grief over the sudden loss.
The victim’s wife broke down in tears, saying they were supposed to go together to the stage on March 18 for their child’s graduation.
Baricog’s mother also described her son as a good person and a responsible father.
Authorities have not released further details as the circumstances surrounding the incident continue to be reviewed.
