PCG eyes sending rescue team to help Filipinos, others in capsized Chinese ship

(FILES) In this file photo taken on April 23, 2023, personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Malabrigo prepare to conduct a survey in the waters of Second Thomas shoal in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea. AFP file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday said it is looking into sending a team to help in the search and rescue (SAR) operations after a Chinese fishing vessel with five Filipino crew on board capsized in the Indian Ocean.

Consisting of 39 crew members, the missing vessel called “Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028” capsized at about 3 a.m. Beijing time on Tuesday.

READ: 5 Filipino sailors among 39 missing as Chinese fishing vessel capsizes in Indian Ocean

PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo said the exact location of the fishing vessel is 2,900 miles northwest of Australia.

“The PCG Command Center is monitoring the incident and coordinating with the PCG-SAR teams near the last known location of the said Chinese fishing vessel for possible assistance,” Balilo told reporters.

Balilo said that the SAR operations are targeting “two life rafts allegedly carrying the crew,” adding that “rough weather conditions prevailing in the area of SAR operations.”

Balilo said the PCG is also closely coordinating with the Chinese Embassy regarding the maritime incident.

The Chinese embassy said their government deployed two vessels, which have since arrived near the last known location of the missing ship.

“The Chinese Embassy also rushed in close coordination with the Philippines’ DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs], PCG, and other concerned agencies regarding the maritime incident. We pray for the safety of all the sailors as we continue with the operations and coordination,” Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said in a statement.

JPV