ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A boat crew died while another is in critical condition after they were suffocated while loading diesel fuel from their cargo ship in the coastal village here, the police said Monday.
The city police office identified the fatality as Benhar Ammirul, 24, a resident of Margarita Village in this city while his companion, Roger Aninang, 39, remains in critical condition. Both victims were crewmen of M/V Hadar of Medzar Shipping Lines.
Investigation disclosed that the vessel docked at the private wharf of a petroleum company depot for refueling in Lower Calarian village when the incident occurred Saturday noon.
The police said Aninang, a native of Masbate City and quarter master of M/V Hadar went down to the fuel tanker and failed to ascend after he fell unconscious.
Ammirul who noticed Aninang’s condition went down to rescue but suffered the same fate.
The two were immediately rescued by the other boat crew and brought to the nearby hospital for treatment but Ammirul was declared dead on arrival.
Attending physician told the police that both victims suffered from hydrocarbon intoxication.
The police continued its investigation to determine if there was foul play in the incident.