PHILIPPINES INVESTIGATING DEATHS OF FISHERMEN IN COLLISION WITH FOREIGN VESSEL
In a tragic incident in the South China Sea, three Filipino fishermen lost their lives after their fishing boat was involved in a collision with a foreign vessel. The incident occurred near Scarborough Shoal, and it is currently under investigation by the Philippine authorities.
According to the Philippine coast guard, the fishing boat FFB Dearyn was struck at around 4:20 a.m. on Monday. The collision resulted in the death of the boat’s captain and two other crew members. However, eleven crew members managed to survive the crash and reached land on Tuesday morning.
In response to the incident, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the victims’ families and the public that every effort would be made to hold those responsible accountable. He also urged all parties to refrain from engaging in speculation while the investigation is ongoing.
The Philippine coast guard is currently reaching out to an oil tanker that was registered under the flag of the Marshall Islands. The tanker, which may have been in the area at the time of the collision, came from South Korea and was heading to Singapore. Authorities are gathering evidence to determine its involvement in the incident.
The South China Sea, a vital waterway for international trade, is also a major maritime flashpoint due to territorial disputes between China and several Southeast Asian nations. Parts of the sea are claimed by multiple governments, with China asserting ownership over almost all of the waterway. China’s occupation of reefs and atolls in the area has escalated tensions in the region.
Richard Heydarian, a senior lecturer in international relations, pointed out that even if the incident did not directly involve China, the territorial disputes may have indirectly influenced it. China’s actions, including preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds, have pushed them further into the high seas.
The collision highlights the risks and governance problems associated with maritime accidents in Southeast Asia. Poorly regulated commercial operations and navigation hazards contribute to the high number of incidents in the region.
As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and ensuring the safety of fishermen in the South China Sea.