Filipino Seafarer Dies in Crane Accident on Bulk Carrier Ship

A Filipino crew member, Quirao Earl Wilhelm Azarcon, died in a tragic fall from a crane on the Malta-flag bulker Yuka D at Paradip port in India. The 26-year-old was cleaning the cabin of the structure when he plunged 30 feet, sustaining severe head and facial injuries. Despite using a safety belt, Azarcon tragically passed away at the scene. The ship, which had arrived from Chittagong with 21 seafarers on board, was at the terminal to load a 27,000-tonne cargo.

An unnatural death case has been registered in connection with the incident, and a post-mortem will be conducted at Kujang hospital. The Philippines Embassy has been requested to handle the repatriation of Azarcon’s remains to his family within two days. The Yuka D, controlled by Alliance Maritime of the Netherlands, remains anchored at the port. UK company Norbulk, the ship’s manager, confirmed the fatal accident and stated that both they and Malta’s flag administration have launched investigations.

Arrangements will be made to repatriate Azarcon’s body, and no further updates will be provided as a formal investigation is underway. Insurance is provided through the UK P&I Club, and the bulker’s last port state control detention occurred in Germany in 2021. This tragic incident follows the recent death of another worker due to suffocation on a different bulker at Paradip port, highlighting the dangers faced by those working in the maritime industry.

Source .