A COLLISION between BRP Singangan and China coast guard was reported during a resupply mission to the ground ship BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday.
On his X (formerly Twitter) post, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela “Throughout the operation, the PCG vessels faced dangerous maneuvers and blocking from Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Chinese Maritime Militia.”
“Their reckless and illegal actions led to a collision between MRRV-4407 and China Coast Guard 21555 that resulted to minor structural damage to the PCG vessel,” he added.
Aside from the collision, the Philippine Navy also reported that one of the resupply boats, Unaizah May 4, was hit by a water cannon during the mission.
In a press briefing, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press briefing.
“The Unaizah Mae 4 was also hit by water cannon. We are awaiting updates on damage to Unaizah Mae 4,”
Citing independent accounts, American maritime security analyst Ray Powell, who is monitoring the mission, said Unaizah May 4 sustained minor damage and injuries due to the water cannon incident.
“I’ve received sufficient independent (unofficial) accounts to report with high confidence that Unaizah May 4, 1 of the Philippines’ two resupply boats, suffered minor damage & injuries resulting from use of a water cannon by a China Coast Guard ship this morning,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
“BRP Sindangan is now returning east toward home, likely escorting the damaged Unaiza May 4, which I understand is unable to continue. The other resupply boat, Unaiza May 1, has successfully reached the BRP Sierra Madre outpost,” Powell said.
But according to Trinidad, Unaizah May 1 was able to reach BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal and completed its mission.
The CCG, meanwhile, said it took control measures against Philippine vessels that illegally intruded into waters adjacent to the Second Thomas Shoal, which is a disputed atoll in the South China Sea.
