A China Coast Guard vessel rams a Philippine government fisheries ship while it operates near Palawan in the West Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The PCG says the China Coast Guard ship CCG-21585 strikes the starboard side of BRP Datu Magat Salamat, a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel, around 11:13 a.m. near Abad Santos Shoal, about 54 nautical miles from Palawan.
The PCG reports the BFAR vessel is on a fuel subsidy mission for Filipino fishermen when the incident occurs, and that the vessel is damaged. PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela describes the event as “intentional ramming” rather than an accident, saying it was not a collision. Reporting also reflects this position, with outlets citing the PCG’s account of the strike and the location and timing of the contact. The sources do not include statements from China or the China Coast Guard addressing the circumstances.
Overall, the outlets align on who was involved, the vessel names, the approximate distance and location off Palawan, and the PCG’s characterization of the incident as intentional.
