Philippine Coast Guard’s flagship vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) seen docked ahead of key operations in the South China Sea.
By Andreo Calonzo (Bloomberg) The Philippines withdrew its Coast Guard vessel from a South China Sea shoal that’s recently been at the center of tensions with Beijing.
BRP Teresa Magbanua “was compelled to return to port” from Sabina Shoal due to bad weather, depleted supplies and the need to evacuate personnel requiring medical care, Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela said Sunday in a post on X.
The Philippine vessel “will be in tiptop shape to resume her mission” after it has been resupplied and repaired, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who heads the nation’s maritime council, said in a statement earlier Sunday.
China has repeatedly called for the immediate withdrawal of Philippines vessels from the disputed shoal, including during a diplomatic meeting last week. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a key trade route with huge energy potential.
Sabina Shoal has recently emerged as a hot spot in the maritime dispute between China and the Philippines, a key US ally. Beijing and Manila have traded accusations of intent to establish a permanent presence at the coral atoll.
Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun said in a statement on the organization’s official Weibo account on Sunday that the maritime police will continue to carry out law-enforcement activities in the waters under China’s jurisdiction, in accordance with the law, and will resolutely safeguard the nation’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Local media in the Philippines shared photos on social media showing Coast Guard personnel leaving the ship on stretchers, reportedly due to dehydration after five months at sea.
In 2012, Philippine vessels pulled out from Scarborough Shoal, another South China Sea flashpoint, after a standoff with China. Beijing has since exercised effective control of the chain of reefs and rocks, with its ships guarding the area.
Also Read: Can The US Navy Deter War In The South China Sea? by Admiral James Stavridis
© 2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 110,095 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
The Danish military said on Wednesday that it was staying close to a Chinese ship currently sitting idle in Danish waters, days after two fiber-optic data telecommunication cables in the Baltic Sea were severed.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey has announced the decommissioning of several naval vessels as part of a broader defence reform strategy. The decision, revealed in a statement to the House...
The Netherlands plans to temporarily enlist additional personnel and equipment from private companies to strengthen security in its part of the North Sea, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday, confirming media reports.
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,095 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
