China Coast Guard rescues cargo ship’s 17 Pinoy crew

Filipino seafarers get pulled out of the waters near Scarborough Shoal after their vessel capsized 55 nautical miles off Scarborough Shoal on Friday (Jan. 23, 2026). As of 12:30 p.m., 15 of the 21 all-Filipino crew members manning the ship have been rescued while two were confirmed dead. —Photo courtesy of Chinese Embassy in Manila

The China Coast Guard (CCG) has rescued 17 of the 21 Filipino crew members of a Singaporean-flagged cargo vessel that ran into trouble in waters near China, while the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed ships and aircraft to search for the four remaining crew members, officials said.

The MV Devon Bay, carrying iron ore, departed Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte, bound for Guangdong, China, when it began listing. Its last known position was about 262 kilometers west of Sabangan Point, Ango Bay, Pangasinan, at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The PCG said it received the distress report from K Line Roro Bulk Ship Management, the vessel’s operator. In response, it deployed the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) and two aircraft to conduct search and rescue operations.

According to reports from Chinese authorities, the People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command launched a joint rescue operation on Friday for the capsized vessel near Huangyan Dao, China.

Military aircraft conducted continuous aerial searches over the incident area, while two China Coast Guard vessels were dispatched immediately for rescue work.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila said as of 12:30 p.m. on Friday, 17 crew members have been rescued—14 are in stable condition, two confirmed dead and one is receiving emergency medical treatment. Additional rescue teams are being organized to assist ongoing operations.

Four not found

The PCG Command Center confirmed 17 rescued by China, while four remain unaccounted for, according to K Line Roro Bulk Ship Management Co. Ltd.

“The Coast Guard continues to closely monitor the situation and is fully committed to ensuring the safety of the remaining crew members,” the Philippine Coast Guard said in a statement.

The operation follows international maritime obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which requires ships to assist persons in distress even within another country’s maritime zone.

While Devon Bay’s last known position was inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, foreign vessels may pass through under freedom of navigation, but cannot conduct law enforcement patrols.

Rescue and search efforts are ongoing, with the PCG coordinating with regional maritime authorities to locate and assist the four remaining crew members.