The Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard continued their joint maritime search and rescue operation following the capsizing of a foreign cargo vessel near the Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, the Chinese Embassy in Manila said.
According to the embassy, the China Coast Guard pursued its search and rescue efforts on January 23 for crew members who fell into the water after the vessel overturned in waters near the shoal. Four crew members remained unaccounted for.
CCG vessels Dongsha and Sanmen were deployed to the area and later coordinated with the PCG vessel BRP Cabra (9701), which arrived at the scene on the evening of Jan. 23, the embassy said.
The vessels conducted a sector-by-sector search of the surrounding waters to locate the missing crew members.
The PCG expressed its gratitude to the CCG for rescuing 17 Filipino crew members of the ill-fated vessel. However, two of the rescued crew members had died.
“The Philippine Coast Guard really appreciates all parties, including the passing CCG, for rendering assistance to our kababayan,” PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Guirao-Cayabyab said.
Meanwhile, PCG said BRP Teresa Magbanua conducted radio communications with transiting vessels in waters about 141 nautical miles west-northwest of Tambobong, Pangasinan, as part of the continuing search for the four missing crew members.
“All transiting vessels in the area are requested to proceed with caution, maintain a sharp lookout, and render assistance as necessary, in accordance with international maritime regulations,” the PCG radio operator said.
On Friday, PCG identified the vessel as the M/V Devon Bay, which was transporting iron ore with 21 Filipino crew members on board.
The ship was sailing from Gutalac, Zamboanga del Sur, to Yangjiang, China, when it began listing about 25 degrees before issuing a distress call around 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
The incident occurred roughly 261 kilometers (162 miles) off the northern Philippine coast.
On Friday, the PCG confirmed that a passing CCG vessel had rescued several crew members. Authorities emphasized, however, the ship’s last recorded position remained within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
