China and Philippines Rush to Save Seafarers After “K” Line Bulker Sinks
Rescue Efforts Intensify After Bulker Capsizes
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, which occurred overnight, has prompted both China and the Philippines to deploy ships and aircraft to the area, highlighting the ongoing political tensions between the two nations. The vessel, carrying a crew of 21 Filipinos, issued a distress call late on January 22, reporting a dangerous list of 25 degrees before it ultimately capsized.
Details of the Incident
The Devon Bay, a 190-meter dry bulk carrier built in 2013, was en route from Zamboanga in the Philippines to Yangjiang, China, loaded with iron ore. According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the vessel was in distress when it reported its precarious position, which has since been confirmed by images showing crew members in life rafts. The Chinese Coast Guard has reported that the vessel capsized approximately 55 nautical miles northwest of Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal), while the Philippine Coast Guard claims it was located 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point, emphasizing that the incident occurred within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. This discrepancy underscores the ongoing territorial disputes in the region.
In response to the distress call, the China Coast Guard dispatched two vessels for the rescue operation. Initial reports indicated that 10 crew members had been rescued, but this number later rose to 17, including two fatalities. Currently, 14 survivors are reported to be in stable condition, while one is receiving emergency medical treatment. The Philippine Coast Guard is working to verify these reports and has also sent two vessels, BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cape San Agustin, along with two aircraft, to assist in the search for the four missing crew members.
Ongoing Investigations and International Response
The cause of the incident remains unclear, with investigations still pending. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, as the flag state of the Devon Bay, has announced that it will lead the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing. They are in close contact with the ship’s owner, a subsidiary of Japan’s “K” Line, and are monitoring the ongoing rescue operations. The situation continues to develop as both nations work to recover the missing crew members and determine the factors that led to this maritime tragedy.
As rescue efforts persist, the international maritime community is closely watching the situation, given the strategic importance of the South China Sea and the implications of this incident on regional relations.
