Worker dies in Balamban sea mishap

A 25-YEAR-OLD man drowned  after the rescue boat he was riding capsized during a sea trial in the waters off barangay Buanoy, Balamban town, southwest Cebu.

Police identified the victim as Arvin Consolacion of Jeeb Contractor and Marine Services.

Police said the incident happened during a sea trial of a cargo ship at the Shipyard of Tsuneishi Heavy Industries.

During the sea trial, Consolacion  together with the lead man of the testing equipment and three other co-workers were on board a rescue boat which was attached to a cable at   the ship’s upper deck.

While docking, the rescue boat was slowly released to the waters when the “shackle auto release” of the ship malfunctioned, causing the rescue boat to  tilt and capsize.

Except for Consolacion,  three other workers on the rescue boat were able to remove their safety belts and swim to safety.

SPO1 Jose Villarino, investigator of the Balamban police station said Consolacion may have failed to remove his safety belt due to the pressure created by the ship that was dragging the rescue boat.

Villarino explained that during a sea trial, all of the ship’s equipment are tested including the releasing of the rescue boat in case of emergencies.

The rescue boat was to be tested in a sea ship trail before it will be delivered.

The rescue boat boarded by the victm was scheduled to be delivered to a Japanese shipping company, police said.

Villarino added there was no foul play in the death of Consolacion, a resident of barangay Dumlog, Balamban.

Police said the company promised to pay the victim’s burial expenses./REPORTER  Joy Cherry S. Quito, CORRESPONDENTS Michelle Joy L. Padayhag, Gabriel C. Bonjoc and UP Intern christine estrella