China coast guard says it rescued Philippine crew near Scarborough Shoal

A Singaporean-flagged general cargo vessel with 21 all-Filipino crew encountered a maritime incident while en route to Yangjiang, China from Gutalac, Zamboanga del Sur, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday.

PCG said it has received report that 10 of the 21 Pinoys were rescued by a passing China Coast Guard (CCG) ship.

"Earlier today, January 23, 2026, the PCG Command Center acquired information from the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre that 10 of the 21 Filipino crew members were rescued by a passing China Coast Guard vessel," PCG said in a statement. 

The Chinese Embassy in Manila and the Chinese Coast Guard, meanwhile, said 13 Filipino crew members have already been rescued.

This humanitarian mission was conducted in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), according to the PCG.

Photo from Chinese Embassy in Manila

Meanwhile, the PCG has deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408), and two PCG aircraft to conduct search and rescue operations.

The vessel, M/V Devon Bay, which was loaded with iron ore, was last located 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point, Ango Bay, Pangasinan around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday.

“The last known position of the distress vessel is within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone where all ships may pass under high seas freedom of navigation as accorded by the UNCLOS. Said freedom however does not allow law enforcement patrols by foreign vessels,” PCG said.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said that the PCG continues to closely monitor the situation and remains fully committed to ensuring the safety of the remaining crew members. —with reports from Reuters/ VAL, GMA Integrated News