PCG assesses environmental damage after Chinese vessel grounds on Pagasa Reef

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is preparing an environmental damage assessment on Pagasa Reef 1 after a Chinese vessel ran aground in the area on June 7.

On Saturday, PCG observed a suspected Chinese maritime militia vessel with bow number 16838 that became grounded at Pagasa Reef 1, about one nautical mile from Pagasa Island.

Adverse sea conditions likely caused the grounding of the vessel; however, it was able to free itself without external assistance after approximately three hours.

The PCG is collaborating with other organizations to assess potential ecological impacts and protect the marine environment in Philippine territorial waters.

China Coast Guard ship 5102 contacted the grounded Chinese maritime militia vessel but did not approach due to risk of grounding in shallow waters.

Thitu Island, located around 285 nautical miles from Palawan, remains a focal point for tensions between China and the Philippines over South China Sea claims.