PCG to assess damage on Pagasa Reef after Chinese vessel ran aground

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is preparing to conduct an environmental damage assessment on Pagasa Reef 1 after a Chinese maritime militia vessel ran aground.

The suspected vessel, identified by bow number 16838, ran aground approximately one nautical mile from Pagasa Island on June 7.

The PCG stated that the vessel was likely driven into the shallow area due to adverse sea conditions with wave heights of two to three meters and strong winds.

Coast guard personnel attempted to contact the grounded vessel to offer assistance but received no response.

The Chinese vessel was able to free itself without external assistance after approximately three hours.

The assessment aims to evaluate potential ecological impacts from the vessel's presence in Philippine territorial waters.