CEBU CITY – A cargo vessel capsized while loading bags of cement last Tuesday afternoon in a port in San Fernando town, southern Cebu.
Twelve crew members of MV Eva Mary Grace were rescued by personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas (PCG 7).
The vessel’s crane operator, Manuel Incarnacion, was injured in the incident and was taken to the South General Hospital in Naga City.
Lt. Jr. Grade Michael Encina, spokesman of PCG 7, said the incident happened at 4:30 p.m. in SEDC Port in Barangay South Poblacion, San Fernando.
The cargo vessel was skippered by Capt. Michael Zeta.
“According to them, the crane was lifting the last batch of cement bags when a swell hit the ship that caused it to tilt and capsize. We will further investigate their claims that huge waves caused the vessel to sink because there was no gale warning yesterday (Tuesday). There was a low pressure area but it was far from Cebu,” said Encina.
Encina said PCG 7’s maritime casualty investigation will include checking the stability and balance of the vessel.
“If proven that there were some lapses, they will have legal liabilities,” said Encina.
Oil sheen was found in the area but spill boom has already been put up. “There’s oil spill but very minimal and it has been contained. The vessel was carrying diesel oil which dissolves quickly,” Encina said.
Salvage operations will be conducted immediately to remove the sunken vessel. Drums serving as floaters will be attached to the vessel for the refloating. (Calvin Cordova)