China Coast Guard Rams Philippine Vessel Carrying Fuel To Fishermen Off Palawan

China Coast Guard vessel CCG-21585 rammed the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat (MMOV 3015) on September 18, 2026, while it was carrying fuel for Filipino fishermen.

At 11:04 AM, CCG-21585 cut across the BFAR vessel’s stern at a distance of about 10 meters. At 11:13 AM, the Chinese vessel repeated the maneuver and made contact while MMOV 3015 was maintaining its course.

The collision damaged the vessel’s starboard side, with main railings bent, broken and detached. Metal stanchions and support structures were deformed, while deck fixtures and equipment were displaced and debris scattered across the deck.

After the collision, CCG-21585 made another close pass, traveling directly astern of the BFAR vessel at a distance of about five meters.

The incident occurred approximately 6.36 nautical miles north-northwest of Abad Santos Shoal and about 54 nautical miles from the coast of Palawan, within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan directed Philippine Coast Guard surface and air assets to proceed to the location to assist the BFAR vessel and ensure the safety of its crew.

The Philippine Coast Guard said the vessel was carrying fuel to support Filipino fishermen so they could continue fishing in the area. It described the actions as violations of the 1972 COLREGs, the 2016 Arbitral Award and UNCLOS.