Chinese Coast Guard, Navy Vessel Collide Near Scarborough Shoal While Pursuing Philippine Vessel
China Coast Guard vessel CCG 3104, pursuing BRP Suluan at high speed, collided with People's Liberation Army Navy ship 164, approximately 10.5 nautical miles east of the shoal.
SOUTH CHINA SEA/WEST PHILIPPINE SEA — On Monday, an incident occurred near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, known as Bajo de Masinloc to the Philippines and Huangyan Dao to China, involving vessels from both nations.
Philippine Coast Guard vessels, including BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Suluan, along with MV Pamamalakaya, were deployed to support approximately 35 Filipino fishing vessels under the Kadiwa Para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangigisda initiative.
During the operation, Chinese vessels engaged in blocking actions and targeted the MRRV 4406 with a water cannon, though the Philippine crew's seamanship prevented a direct hit.
In a related incident, China Coast Guard vessel CCG 3104, pursuing BRP Suluan at high speed, collided with People's Liberation Army Navy ship 164, approximately 10.5 nautical miles east of the shoal. The collision caused substantial damage to CCG 3104's forecastle, rendering it unseaworthy.
Philippine forces immediately offered support, including assistance with man-overboard recovery and medical aid for any injured Chinese crew members, using MRRV 9701. Meanwhile, the Philippine vessels safely escorted the fishermen to a secure location, providing them with essential fuel and supplies.
No injuries were reported among the Philippine personnel, and the mission reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding maritime operations in the area. Chinese authorities described their actions as necessary measures to expel vessels they claimed had illegally entered the waters, asserting sovereignty over the shoal.
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