China ship hindered PCG vessel from recovering fisherman’s body in Zambales — Tarriela

A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel allegedly hindered a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship from recovering the body of a Filipino fisherman who died in the waters off Silanguin Island in Zambales Monday, according to PCG spokesperson for West Philippine Sea (WPS) Jay Tarriela.

PCG Provides Medical Assistance to Filipino Fishing Boat

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel, BRP Cabra, promptly responded to a distress call from a Filipino fishing boat situated 70 nautical miles southwest of Silanguin Island, Zambales. Upon arrival, the fishermen faced… pic.twitter.com/1Us62lSvTu

— Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) January 27, 2025

“To transport the body of the fisherman back to Subic, Zambales, BRP Cabra bravely navigated through the heavy waves to retrieve the deceased using its crane,” Tarriela said in a statement Monday evening.

“It is crucial to note that the CCG vessel CCG-3304, despite being aware of the distress call from the Filipino fishermen, engaged in shadowing that hindered the PCG vessel's efforts to recover the body,” he added.

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Chinese Embassy in Manila about the incident but it has yet to provide a statement as of posting time.

In a separate statement issued Tuesday, the PCG identified the deceased fisherman as 58-year-old Elpidio Lamban, a resident of Subic, Zambales.

Lamban experienced difficulty breathing and blood vomiting during their fishing operation, according to the skipper of the fishing boat FB El Kapitan.

Tarriela said BRP Cabra responded to a distress call from the fishing boat around 70 nautical miles southwest of Silanguin Island.

When the PCG ship arrived in the area, Tarriela said the fishermen faced heavy waves and used their indigenous boats to transport the PCG medical team.

“Unfortunately, the team discovered that the fisherman had no pulse and was already deceased,” Tarriela said.

The Coast Guard Station Zambales coordinated with the bereaved family for proper disposition, including reception, ambulance transport, and funeral services, the PCG said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News