Two crew members of a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel that collided with a Chinese warship have reportedly died, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on Tuesday, August 12.
It can be recalled that the two Chinese ships were chasing a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel when the CCG ship rammed into the Chinese Navy vessel.
The CCG vessel sustained significant damage to its front deck and is now “unseaworthy,” according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG’s spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea .
China vs. China
On Monday, August 11, Tarriela said the PCG deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua, BRP Suluan, and MV Pamamalakaya to Bajo de Masinloc to carry out the “Kadiwa Para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda Initiative,” which aimed to deliver supplies to 35 Filipino fishing vessels in the area.
During the operation, a CCG vessel targeted BRP Suluan with a water cannon, but the Philippine vessel successfully evaded the attack.
While the CCG ship continued to pursue BRP Suluan, it collided with a People’s Liberation Army Navy ship No. 164 approximately 10.5 nautical miles east of Bajo de Masinloc.
Due to its high-speed maneuver, the CCG vessel rammed into the Chinese Navy ship, causing “substantial damage” to its forecastle and rendering it unseaworthy, Tarriela said.
Following the collision, the PCG immediately offered assistance, including man-overboard recovery and medical aid for any injured CCG crew members.
Honoring the Philippine crew
As a token of gratitude and recognition for their bravery, the PCG awarded the crew of BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406) on the morning of August 12.
“You have proven that indeed we are the most durable point man in keeping the peace at sea,” said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.
“Bravo Zulu, everyone. There are lots of things to do, but always keep in mind that what you’ve done, you should always remain calm, you should always remain professional yet unyielding in the face of whoever they are.”
Meanwhile, Lacson praised the PCG captain for their “skillful maneuver” during the encounter. While expressing pride in the captain’s actions, the senator also mourned the loss of the two CCG personnel.
