The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported late Monday that its Chinese counterpart complicated efforts to assist a Filipino fishing vessel, which made a distress call about 70 nautical miles southwest of Silanguin Island, Zambales.
One of the fishermen in the boat died amid rough sea conditions. The crew of BRP Cabra executed a retrieval operation, but the mission did not go smoothly because of the presence of a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ship.
“Despite challenging sea conditions, BRP Cabra retrieved the deceased fisherman using its crane and transported the body back to Subic, Zambales,” according to PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela.
“Complicating the rescue operation was the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel CCG-3304, which shadowed and hindered the PCG’s efforts to recover the body,” Tarriela added in his statement.
The PCG personnel battled waves measuring three to four meters high. By 7PM, BRP Teresa Magbanua took over patrol duties along the Zambales coast to boost maritime security against the encroaching Chinese vessel.
“The PCG remains resolute in its mission to safeguard Filipino fishermen and defend the nation’s maritime interests in the West Philippine Sea,” Tarriela said.
