The Port Management Office (PMO) Masbate, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), successfully managed an emergency response and retrieval operation following a vehicular accident at the Masbate Port on the morning of April 17, 2026.
At approximately the time of scheduled cargo loading, an “elf” light-duty truck was positioning to unload goods intended for the M/V Angel Heart, a vessel bound for Lagundi, Ticao Island. Initial reports indicate that the vehicle suffered a sudden mechanical brake failure while maneuvering on the pier.
The loss of braking power caused the vehicle to roll off the terminal edge and into the sea. The driver managed to leap from the cabin before the vehicle submerged; however, he sustained injuries during the escape. Port personnel immediately facilitated his transport to a nearby hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Following the incident, PMO Masbate activated its emergency protocols to ensure the safety of port users and the protection of the marine environment:
-
Containment: The PCG and PMO Masbate deployed an oil spill boom around the submerged vehicle as a preemptive measure to contain any potential fuel or lubricant leaks.
-
Crisis Management: A crisis committee meeting was convened involving the PMO, the shipping line, and the cargo consignee to coordinate a recovery plan.
-
Retrieval: Using a heavy-duty crane provided by NBCDC Construction, the vehicle was successfully extracted from the water later that day.
“Our priority remains the safety of our port operations and the well-being of the personnel involved,” stated a representative from PMO Masbate. “We are grateful for the swift assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard and our private sector partners in preventing further escalation of this incident.”
A formal investigation is currently underway to determine the exact technical cause of the brake failure and to review safety protocols during vessel loading operations. Port operations have since returned to normal.
