BFAR ship continued voyage despite being damaged by Chinese vessels

The BRP Datu Sanday of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) continued its voyage despite being damaged by the recent attack of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels near Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

According to Ian Cruz’s “24 Oras” report Monday, the CCG ships over the weekend rammed and used a water cannon against the Sanday. Two other CCG vessels could be seen following the BFAR vessel before once again ramming the Sanday before keeping its distance.

The CCG claimed it took control measures against the “illegal entry” of the Filipino vessel in Escoda Shoal. It erroneously said they saved a Filipino who fell into the sea. 

Describing the Chinese account as “fake news and misinformation", the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) condemned the “aggressive and dangerous” maneuver and water cannoning against BRP Datu Sanday.

"(BFAR) vessel, BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV 3002), encountered aggressive and dangerous maneuvers from eight (8) People's Republic of China (PRC) maritime vessels ...The CCG vessels made close perilous maneuvers that resulted in ramming, blasted horns, and deployed water cannons against the BFAR vessel,” NTF-WPS said.

Damaged but not done

Externally, the water cannon from the Chinese ships resulted in damage to the BRP Datu Sanday’s navigation and communication equipment on its mast and superstructure.

Inside the Sanday, the ceiling was buckled and several windows were cracked.

Despite this, the Filipino vessel  continues to proceed on its journey to the provision area.

The worst effects could be seen on the Datu Sanday’s port or left side where the CCG 21555 rammed it.

The same Chinese ship also dented the BFAR symbol on the port side.

The starboard or right side of the bow near the ship’s name  also bore marks of the collision, 

The water cannon also damaged the ship’s railings, rear exhaust and several air conditioning units.

The Datu Sanday was seven nautical miles southeast of Sabina or Escoda Shoal on Sunday when it bore the brunt of a water cannon from the CCG vessel 4202 at around 1:46 p.m.

At first, the Chinese failed to hit the BFAR vessel even after a three hour game of cat mouse.

In what could be a sign of frustration, the CCG 21551 rushed the Sanday and rammed it several times.

CCG 21551 is also the same ship that rammed the Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Bagacay last Monday.

A Chinese Militia vessel also deliberately came into contact with the Sanday’s hull.

Another ship, CCG 4103, used its water cannon to harass the Filipino vessel, forcing everyone inside.

Surrounded by the Chinese, the Sanday was forced to turn back at around 3 p.m.

Despite the damage, everyone onboard the Sanday– its crew, BFAR officials and the members of the media– were safe. —Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News