A Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel sustained structural damage on Friday morning after being struck by a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship near Abad Santos Shoal, located within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.
The incident occurred as the BRP Datu Magat Salamat (MMOV 3015) was maintaining course after delivering fuel to local fishermen at Hasa-Hasa Shoal. According to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, CCG vessel 21585 performed dangerous maneuvers, crossing the BFAR vessel’s stern before colliding with its starboard side.
The collision bent and detached main railings, deformed metal stanchions, and scattered debris across the deck. Despite the damage, no injuries were reported among the crew.
Tarriela condemned the action, noting that “the China Coast Guard deliberately rammed a civilian government vessel on a humanitarian and livelihood mission, endangering the lives of its Filipino crew.” He added that the mission aimed to support local fishermen “so they can keep fishing in our own waters and keep food on Filipino tables.”
Denouncing the maneuver as a violation of international maritime laws and the 2016 Arbitral Award, Tarriela emphasized that “no amount of ramming or dangerous maneuvering will change the fact that these waters belong to the Filipino people.” PCG surface and air units have been dispatched to assist the damaged vessel.