Cabin Boy Dies After Falling From Rigging Of Colombian Navy Training Ship

A young sailor from the Colombian Navy lost his life on Sunday after falling from the rigging of the training ship ARC Gloria while the vessel was preparing to arrive at Barranquilla.

The Navy identified the victim as Seaman Apprentice Julián Fernando Condia Bello, who was serving as a cabin boy on board the tall ship. According to Colombian media, Bello was climbing the mainmast as part of the arrival ritual, a practice often carried out on training vessels where cadets go aloft and secure themselves while entering or leaving port.

Reports said that Bello lost his balance, fell several meters, struck a railing, and then fell into the Magdalena River. School official Javier Rubio told RCN Noticias that Bello had performed the same climb safely many times during training. The Navy has started a full review into the causes of the accident.

As soon as the fall was reported, the ship’s man-overboard procedures were activated. Units from Colombia’s coast guard and navy joined the search operation.

However, the conditions of the Magdalena River made the rescue efforts difficult. Local media reported that the governor of Atlántico, Eduardo Verano, also joined the search flotilla in person to support the operation.

Despite the efforts, Bello’s body was found in the river early Monday morning, local radio station Emi Atlántico reported.

The Navy said it has provided a counseling team to support Bello’s family and has canceled the public events that had been planned for ARC Gloria’s stay in port.

La Armada Nacional lamenta profundamente el fallecimiento del Grumete Julián Fernando Condia Bello, un joven tripulante que con entrega y compromiso eligió servirle a la Patria desde el mar.

Hoy despedimos a un hombre de honor, cuya vocación y espíritu de servicio dejan… pic.twitter.com/2NCr6iuwkO

— Armada de Colombia (@ArmadaColombia) September 1, 2025

In an official message posted on X, the Colombian Navy expressed its sorrow over the loss. The statement said that the institution deeply regrets the passing of Seaman Apprentice Julián Fernando Condia Bello, describing him as a young crew member who served with dedication and commitment.

The Navy said he will be remembered as a man of honor whose vocation and service left a lasting mark on the institution, and it expressed condolences to his family, comrades, and friends.

Reference: Armada de Colombia

Source: Maritime Shipping News