A Chinese navy warship and a China Coast Guard vessel ended up colliding with each other early Monday morning when they attempted to sideswipe a Philippine Coast Guard vessel (PCG) ship in a deadly cat and mouse game approximately 10.5 nautical miles east of Panatag Shoal.
“This resulted in substantial damage to the CCG vessel’s forecastle, rendering it unseaworthy,” Commodore Jay Tarriela, the PCG’s spokesperson on the West Philippines Sea (WPS) said shortly after the incident.
He pointed out that, despite Chinese forces’ aggression, the PCG still offered assistance to the crew of the damaged vessel, particularly with man-overboard recovery and medical aid for any injured CCG crew members.
This confrontation took place as the PCG‘s BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Suluan, along with MV Pamamalakaya, were carrying out the “Kadiwa Para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM)” initiative.
During the operation, Philippine vessels and fishermen encountered hazardous maneuvers and blocking actions from other vessels in the vicinity.
In particular, the MRRV 4406 was targeted with a water cannon and reckless maneuvers, but the seamanship skills of PCG crew members allowed the Philippine vessel to remain unscathed, Tarriela stressed.
Meanwhile, the MRRV 9701 safely escorted the Filipino fishermen to a secure location, where they are now being provided with essential fuel and supplies.
“The Philippine Coast Guard reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding all maritime operations in the area and wishes for the swift recovery and proper treatment of any affected CCG personnel,” Tarriela said.
