PCG to probe reef damage by Chinese vessel

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June 10, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is preparing to assess the damage to the environment of the grounding of a suspected Chinese maritime militia vessel near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea last Saturday.

In a statement, PCG spokesman for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Chinese vessel, with bow number 16838, was observed in the vicinity of Pag-asa Reef 1 during rough sea conditions, with waves reaching two to three meters high.

The vessel appeared to have been driven into the shallow waters by the prevailing weather conditions.

“In accordance with PCG’s mandate to uphold maritime safety and safeguard the marine environment, personnel stationed at Pag-asa Island reached out to the grounded vessel to evaluate its condition and render support for its removal, aiming to prevent additional harm to the coral reef and territorial waters of Pag-asa,” Tarriela said.

However, the vessel’s crew gave no response.

The vessel remained grounded for approximately three hours before managing to free itself without external intervention.

During the incident, a China Coast Guard vessel, with bow number 5102, was also observed communicating with the grounded vessel but did not approach the area, apparently due to concerns over the risk of grounding.

“At present, the PCG, in collaboration with other relevant organizations, is preparing to carry out an environmental damage assessment on the reef caused by the unlawful presence of the Chinese Maritime Militia in the Philippines’ territorial waters,” Tarriela said.

“The goal of this assessment is to evaluate any potential ecological impacts resulting from this situation,” he added.

Chinese vessels, including maritime militia and coast guard ships, have been frequently observed near Pag-asa Island. In late 2024, satellite images showed around 60 Chinese vessels gathered near the island. Analysts say such activity is part of a broader effort by China to strengthen its presence in the South China Sea.

By repeatedly deploying vessels in the area, the Chinese reportedly intend to establish de facto control over features claimed by other countries.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea under its “nine-dash line” position, rejected in a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which found no legal basis for Beijing’s claim under international law.