This handout photo grabbed from a video released by the Philippine Coast Guard on June 7, 2024 shows Philippine Coast Guard divers and marine scientists surveying part of Sabina shoal in the waters of South China Sea. (Photo by Handout / Philippine Coast Guard / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel maneuvered dangerously and repeatedly rammed a Philippine Coast Guard vessel in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Saturday, according to the PCG.
Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG Spokesperson for the WPS said the ramming incident between CCG vessel 5205 and BRP Teresa Magbanwa (MRP 9701) — which has been deployed in the shoal since April 15 — occurred at around 12:07 p.m.
“China Coast Guard vessel 5205 carried out a dangerous maneuver resulting in its direct running on the port bow of MRP 9701. Obviously, the Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5205 has ignored collision regulation because of such action,” Tarriela said as he showed a video of the collision during a press conference.
“And then what happened next after this, it would turn around and then it will reach the starboard quarter of the vessel. It will also directly and intentionally run MRP 9701 on our starboard quarter. A few minutes after it carried out a dangerous maneuver and rammed the port bow of Teresa Magbanua,” he added.
After this, Tarriela disclosed that the CCG vessel turned around again and rammed against the port beam of the PCG vessel.
Article continues after this advertisement
“It is important for us to take note that this ramming happened despite our unprovoked action and presence in Escoda Shoal. The Philippine Coast Guard vessel did not provoke or did not do anything while we are loitering around Escoda Shoal. But the Chinese Coast Guard carried out dangerous maneuvers despite being unprovoked,” he added.
Article continues after this advertisement
According to Tarriela, the PCG vessel was surrounded by Chinese maritime forces.
“You can find two PLA Navy Tank Boats, 175 and 185. You can also see two China Coast Guard vessels, China Coast Guard 4301 and 3104, and Chinese maritime militia in different areas that are approximately within the distance of MRP 9701,” he disclosed while showing a picture of the CCG vessels.
Despite the repeated ramming, Tarriela said that personnel aboard the PCG vessel did not sustain any injury.
Moreover, he reported that the vessel sustained damage on its bridge wing and freeboard. Part of the vessel also had a hole due to the collision.
“As we are conducting this press conference now, I would like to report also to everyone that the Philippine Coast Guard vessel MRP 9701 as of 14:59 or 2:59 p.m. this afternoon has already dropped its anchor located also within, inside Escoda Shoal,” he also said.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
For comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, visit our special page for West Philippine Sea updates. Stay informed with articles, videos, and expert opinions.