China vessel hinders PCG response to distress call of Filipino fishers

Photo from Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship monitoring Chinese vessels off Zambales, promptly responded to a distress call from a Filipino fishing boat about 70 nautical miles southwest of Silanguin Island.

In a report on Monday night, the agency said personnel aboard the BRP Cabra recovered the body of the fisherman, who died after his boat faced “heavy waves.”

Prior to recovering the fisherfolk’s remains, PCG said that Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3304 “shadowed” BRP Cabra even though it was aware of the distress call from the Filipino fishermen. The agency noted that CCG’s actions “hindered” the Philippine vessel’s “efforts to recover the body.”

READ: West Philippine Sea: PCG thwarts Chinese ship’s approach in Zambales

“Unfortunately, the team discovered that the fisherman had no pulse and was already deceased. To transport the body of the fisherman back to Subic, Zambales, BRP Cabra bravely navigated through the heavy waves to retrieve the deceased using its crane,” the report said.

Replacing BRP Cabra, the PCG said that  BRP Teresa Magbanua is en route to patrol the Zambales coast as of 7 p.m.

“The PCG remains steadfast in its commitment to prioritize the welfare and safety of Filipino fishermen. Despite facing wave heights of 3 to 4 meters, the PCG vessels will continue to operate courageously while standing firm against the illegal deployment of Chinese Coast Guard vessels off the coast of Zambales,” the agency added.