Tragic Capsizing of Singapore-Flagged Vessel Claims Lives in South China Sea
BEIJING: A tragic maritime incident occurred on Friday, January 23, when the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier, Devon Bay, capsized in the South China Sea. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reported that two crew members lost their lives in the disaster, which unfolded while the vessel was en route to Yangjiang, China. The MPA confirmed that the ship had sunk and that four of the 21 crew members remain unaccounted for, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations in the area.
The MPA stated that there were no Singaporean nationals aboard the Devon Bay at the time of the incident. The authority is currently in contact with the ship’s owner and relevant search and rescue agencies to provide necessary support. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing are underway, with the MPA promising to release further updates as more information becomes available.
Rescue Operations Underway Amidst Regional Tensions
In response to the distress call regarding the capsized cargo ship, both China and the Philippines initiated rescue operations. The Chinese military reported that they rescued 17 crew members, although two later succumbed to their injuries. The incident was first reported around 1:30 AM on Friday, prompting the deployment of aircraft and two vessels from the Chinese Coast Guard to assist in the rescue efforts. One individual was receiving emergency medical treatment, and additional rescue forces were organized to continue operations in the area.
The Philippine Coast Guard also took action, deploying two vessels and two aircraft to aid in the rescue of the Filipino crew members aboard the vessel, which was reportedly loaded with iron ore. According to the Philippine Coast Guard Command Centre, information received from the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre indicated that 10 of the 21 Filipino crew members were rescued by a passing Chinese Coast Guard vessel.
Scot Pioneer Aground in Teignmouth Harbour on New Year’s Eve
The Scarborough Shoal, where the incident occurred, is a highly contested maritime feature in Asia, often serving as a flashpoint for disputes over sovereignty and fishing rights. Tensions in the region have been exacerbated by recent military actions, including a statement from the Chinese military on Tuesday, which claimed to have organized naval and air force units to repel a Philippine government aircraft accused of “illegally intruding” into the airspace over the atoll. China asserts extensive claims over the South China Sea, overlapping with the exclusive economic zones of several neighboring countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
