Rescue Efforts Intensify After Bulker Capsizes in Disputed Waters
A major search and rescue operation is currently underway in the South China Sea following the capsizing of the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier, Devon Bay. The incident occurred overnight, prompting both China and the Philippines to deploy ships and aircraft to the area amid ongoing territorial disputes. The vessel, carrying a crew of 21 Filipinos, issued a distress call late on January 22, reporting a dangerous list.
Details of the Incident and Rescue Operations
The Devon Bay, a 190-meter dry bulk carrier built in 2013, was reported to be listing at a severe angle of 25 degrees when the Philippine Coast Guard received the distress signal. While Chinese authorities claim the vessel capsized, images from the scene show crew members in life rafts, indicating a desperate situation. The ship was en route from Zamboanga in the Philippines to Yangjiang, China, carrying a cargo of iron ore.
Geographically, the incident has sparked tensions, as the Chinese report places the vessel 55 nautical miles northwest of Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal), while the Philippine Coast Guard asserts it was located 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point, within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing territorial disputes between the two nations over the shoal.
In response to the emergency, the China Coast Guard has dispatched two vessels for the rescue operation. Initial reports indicated that 10 crew members had been rescued, but this number later increased to 17, including two fatalities. Currently, 14 survivors are reported to be in stable condition, while one individual is receiving emergency medical treatment. The Philippine Coast Guard is actively working to verify these reports and coordinate its own rescue efforts.
International Response and Investigation
The Philippine Coast Guard has mobilized two vessels, BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cape San Agustin, along with two aircraft, to assist in the search and rescue operations. Meanwhile, Chinese officials continue their efforts to locate the four missing crew members. The cause of the incident remains unclear, and investigations are expected to follow.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has stated that, as the flag state of the vessel, it will lead the investigation into the incident. They are in contact with the shipowner and are monitoring the ongoing search and rescue operations closely. The situation underscores the risks associated with navigating these frequently traveled waters, particularly amid the backdrop of geopolitical tensions in the region.
