(Photo courtesy of PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard assisted the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in refloating a vessel that ran aground near Hasa-Hasa Shoal while carrying out a fuel subsidy mission for Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.
PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela said BFAR vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat ran aground Thursday in shallow waters while approaching 15 to 20 Filipino fishing boats to distribute fuel under the Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda Program.
Fishing boats initially tried to pull the vessel free but were unsuccessful because of low tide and limited towing capacity.
The PCG then deployed BRP Malabrigo from Buliluyan Port in Bataraza, Palawan, with Coast Guard divers on board. The ship laid out a 600-meter towing line and successfully refloated the vessel at around 3:34 p.m. despite rough seas and strong southwesterly winds.
Tarriela said a China Coast Guard aircraft was observed conducting aerial surveillance while the salvage operation was underway.
After the vessel was freed, its master decided to continue the mission to other areas to complete the delivery of fuel subsidies.
In a separate operation, the PCG also conducted a Maritime Domain Awareness flight over Bajo de Masinloc in support of the same assistance program.
Using a Piper Navajo aircraft, the PCG monitored the BFAR vessel MV Mamalakaya as it distributed fuel to 35 Filipino fishing boats near the shoal.
The flight also observed three China Coast Guard vessels, one People’s Liberation Army Navy warship and three Chinese maritime militia vessels in the area.
According to Tarriela, the Chinese warship issued a radio challenge to the PCG aircraft, which responded that it was conducting a lawful maritime patrol within Philippine maritime zones. The aircraft continued its mission without interruption.
Tarriela said the PCG will continue supporting government efforts to assist Filipino fisherfolk operating in the West Philippine Sea.
