A Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel sustained damage to its main railings, metal stanchions and supports, as well as deck fixtures and equipment, after a China Coast Guard ship intentionally rammed it on Friday, September 18, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.
Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated during an online briefing that the incident occurred after the Philippine vessel had run aground a day earlier at Hasa-Hasa (Half Moon) Shoal. The civilian law enforcement vessel, named the BRP Datu Magat Salamat, was originally tasked with bringing fuel to Filipino fisherfolk at Abad Santos (Bombay) Shoal.
Vessel Damage and Mission Curtailment at Abad Santos Shoal
During the mission, China Coast Guard ship CCG-21585 executed dangerous maneuvers by cutting across the stern of the smaller Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel before striking it, according to the Philippine Coast Guard. The BRP Datu Magat Salamat subsequently cut short its operations and headed back toward Coron to evaluate its seaworthiness. No injuries were reported among the crew members, who consist of a mix of Philippine Coast Guard and fisheries bureau personnel.
Tarriela noted that 21-series China Coast Guard vessels measure under 50 meters in length, making them the smallest and most agile ships in the fleet. These vessels have previously participated in harassment incidents within the West Philippine Sea, including operations near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. Abad Santos Shoal sits roughly 54 nautical miles from Palawan within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
Did You Know? The 21-series China Coast Guard ships involved in the maneuver are under 50 meters long and represent the most agile class in the fleet, having previously been deployed during confrontations near Ayungin Shoal.
Official Protests and International Law Violations
Following the collision, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea issued a formal condemnation labeling the action reckless. The inter-agency body stated that the maneuvers violated the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the 2016 Arbitral Award. The Department of Foreign Affairs echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the fisheries vessel was performing routine humanitarian duties to support local fishers.
Concurrently, broader tensions across the South China Sea remain high. In a separate incident near Scarborough Shoal, the Philippine Coast Guard reported that Chinese vessels deployed water cannons that damaged a fisheries agency ship’s railings and canopy. While Beijing continues to assert sweeping claims over almost all of the South China Sea in defiance of the 2016 international ruling, Manila maintains that civilian vessels will continue exercising their legal maritime rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What damage did the Philippine vessel sustain?
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the BRP Datu Magat Salamat suffered damage to its main railings, metal stanchions and supports, as well as deck fixtures and equipment.
Where was the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ship heading?
The vessel was originally traveling to deliver fuel to Filipino fisherfolk at Abad Santos Shoal before cutting short its mission to return to Coron.
What international agreements did Manila cite in its condemnation?
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea and the Department of Foreign Affairs cited the 1972 International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 2016 Arbitral Award, and the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention.
How do you think regional authorities should respond to escalating maritime confrontations in the West Philippine Sea?