CCG water cannons BFAR research vessel in WPS

A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel deployed water cannons and sideswiped a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) research vessel near Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea.

The incident occurred while BFAR vessels BRP Datu Sanday and BRP Datu Pagbuaya were conducting a routine marine scientific research mission to collect sand samples.

BFAR reported that the CCG vessel 21559 water cannoned and sideswiped the BRP Datu Sanday twice, causing damage to its port bow and smokestack and endangering its civilian personnel.

This marks the first instance of water cannons being used against BFAR research vessels in the Pag-asa Cays area.

Despite the aggressive actions, the Philippine scientific team successfully completed their operations in Pag-asa Cays 1, 2, and 3.

BFAR affirmed its commitment to scientific integrity, sustainable fisheries management, and the protection of national interests in the West Philippine Sea, adhering to international and domestic law.

The CCG, however, claimed it took 'control measures' against Philippine vessels it alleged illegally intruded into waters near Subi Reef and Sandy Cay.

A CCG spokesperson stated that a Philippine vessel 'dangerously' approached and collided with a CCG ship, placing the responsibility on the Philippine side.