The Philippine Coast Guard accused a Chinese coast guard vessel on Friday of ramming the government boat BRP Datu Magat Salamat during a mission to distribute subsidised fuel to fishermen in disputed waters in the South China Sea, about 54 nautical miles from the coast of Palawan province.
Chinese vessel manoeuvre and collision
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the collision bent and broke parts of the railings, distorted metal supports and auxiliary structures, and displaced equipment and gear on the boat’s deck, scattering debris. No crew members were injured.
The boat, operated by the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, was carrying out a maritime patrol to provide fuel assistance to Filipino fishermen near Abad Santos Reef in the Spratly archipelago. The Philippine coast guard commander ordered maritime and aerial units to be sent to the site to assist the boat and ensure the safety of its crew. The incident came a day after the same boat ran aground in the Hasa Hasa Reef area during a fuel distribution mission.
The Philippine Coast Guard said the boat was refloated with the help of one of its vessels amid strong winds and waves before resuming its mission.
