China Coast Guard Fires Water Cannon During 10-Hour Medical Evacuation Of Filipino Sailor

Philippine Coast Guard crews completed a medical evacuation of a sick Navy sailor from the BRP Sierra Madre on October 8 after Chinese Coast Guard vessels obstructed and shadowed the mission for nearly 10 hours.

The Philippine Coast Guard deployed the BRP Cabra from Lawak Island. At around 7:30 a.m., Chinese Coast Guard vessel 5306 activated its water cannon as it approached the Philippine vessel, closing from about 1.3 nautical miles to roughly 400 yards. The BRP Cabra was not hit and moved away to protect its crew while coordinating with the Navy personnel aboard the Sierra Madre.

Chinese vessels also rejected the initial rendezvous point and kept the BRP Cabra about 13 nautical miles north of the shoal for several hours. The Philippine crew adjusted its plans to prioritize the patient’s welfare.

At 1:46 p.m., the BRP Cabra launched an inflatable boat carrying coast guard crew and medical personnel toward the Sierra Madre. A Chinese Coast Guard boat shadowed it throughout the 9.2-nautical-mile journey. At around 3:15 p.m., the sailor and a companion were transferred safely to the Philippine boat.

The medical team checked the patient’s vital signs and began intravenous fluids after the boat returned to the BRP Cabra shortly before 5 p.m. The sailor was reported stable and was being transported to the nearest suitable port for further treatment.

Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan called on China to respect the humanitarian nature of medical evacuations, saying that saving a sick or injured person at sea should not involve water cannons, obstruction or delays.