Incident near Bajo de Masinloc: Three fishermen die after collision with unidentified vessel
The Philippine Coast Guard reported this week that three fishermen lost their lives when their boat was struck by a foreign vessel near Lower Masinloc beach, in waters that are part of the disputed South China Sea. The incident occurred on Monday morning around 04:20 local time, when the fishing boat, which was connected to a gear used to collect fish, was struck and began to flood. Three crew members, including the captain, died as a result. Eleven survivors escaped using multiple lifeboats and carried the body of the deceased to Infanta in Pangasinan province. Coast Guard officials said the survivors arrived in Infanta around 10:00 on Tuesday morning. The agency is continuing to investigate the incident to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the collision between the fishing boat and a yet unidentified commercial vessel.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed deep regret over the tragedy and pledged government assistance to the victims and their families. He noted that the incident remained under investigation as authorities work to clarify what happened during the collision. This statement was reported by the Philippine Star and echoed by government spokespeople who emphasized the importance of a thorough inquiry.
Bajo de Masinloc, located about 240 kilometers west of Luzon, has long been a traditional fishing area for Filipino fishermen. In recent years, Chinese vessels have increased patrols in the same waters, prompting Manila to intensify maritime protections. In late September, Philippine authorities advised local fishers to continue their activities along the beach amid the presence of Chinese ships, signaling plans to boost patrols to safeguard Filipino fishing rights and livelihoods.
The Chinese government has urged restraint and urged avoiding provocations in the area while reaffirming its sovereignty claims over the region around Bajo de Masinloc. This stance followed the removal of a floating barrier by the Chinese coast guard, a move that drew sharp reactions from Manila. Chinese officials have consistently stated their sovereignty in the area, a position that remains disputed by the Philippines and several of its allies in the region.
Beijing maintains that it claims sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, a position that contrasts with the ruling delivered in 2016 by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The court ruled in favor of the Philippines on several maritime questions but concluded that China does not have historic rights to resources in the disputed waters. Despite this ruling, Beijing has continued to contest the tribunal’s conclusions, which has resulted in ongoing tensions and frequent patrols by naval and coast guard forces in the area. The authorities in the Philippines have repeatedly stated their intention to defend legitimate fishing rights and to ensure safety for local fishermen operating near the disputed zone.