MANILA, Philippines — In a rare moment of maritime cooperation, the China Coast Guard (CCG) has officially turned over 15 Filipino survivors and the bodies of two deceased crew members of the capsized MV Devon Bay to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The turnover operation took place on Sunday, January 25, 2026, approximately 311 kilometers west of Tambobong, Pangasinan, following a rescue mission conducted by the CCG in the vicinity of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.
The Rescue Operation The Singapore-flagged MV Devon Bay, carrying iron ore and 21 Filipino crew members, capsized on Thursday night, January 22, while en route from Zamboanga del Norte to Guangdong, China.
- Immediate Response: A CCG vessel passing near the incident area responded to the distress, eventually rescuing 15 crew members and recovering two bodies.
- Challenging Turnover: The PCG and CCG utilized rigid-hull inflatable boats to transfer the survivors and the deceased between their respective ships due to large waves prevailing in the open sea.
Returning Home The rescued Filipinos and the two cadavers were brought aboard the BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701).
- Arrival: The vessel is scheduled to dock at Pier 13, Port Area, Manila, early Monday morning, January 26.
- Official Thanks: PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab expressed the agency’s gratitude to the CCG for the humanitarian assistance provided, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in ensuring the safety of life at sea.
Search for the Missing While 17 crew members have been accounted for, the search continues for four remaining Filipino crew members who are still missing.
- Ongoing Operations: The BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408) and a PCG Islander aircraft are currently conducting intensive search and rescue patterns in the area where the vessel was last spotted.
The PCG noted that the bodies of the two deceased crew members will undergo proper disposition in coordination with health authorities and their respective families once they arrive in Manila.