PHL eyes environmental probe after Chinese ship runs aground off Thitu

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said it would assess the reef damage caused by a Chinese maritime ship that ran aground in shallow waters off Thitu Island in the South China Sea at the weekend.

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“The PCG, in collaboration with other relevant organizations, is preparing to carry out an environmental damage assessment on the reef caused by the unlawful presence of the Chinese Maritime Militia in the Philippines’ territorial waters,” it said in a statement.

“The goal of this assessment is to evaluate any potential ecological impacts resulting from this situation,” it added.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

The PCG said a Chinese Navy vessel with bow number 16838 had run aground at Pagasa Reef 1 about one nautical mile near Thitu Island, which the Philippines has occupied since 1971, on June 7.

“The Chinese vessel was likely driven into the shallow area due to adverse sea conditions, characterized by wave heights of two to three meters and strong winds,” it said.

Coast guard personnel stationed at the island contacted the grounded Chinese vessel to evaluate its condition and help it move to deeper water.

“Unfortunately, the vessel did not respond to the PCG’s inquiries,” it said.

“After approximately three hours, the vessel was able to free itself without external assistance.”