Chinese cargo ship stalls south of Tubbataha, says Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines–A Chinese cargo ship is reportedly “dead in the water” in the vicinity of Tubbataha Reef after encountering engine trouble, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

Lt. Commander Armand Balilo, the PCG spokesman, on Tuesday identified the distressed vessel as the MV Tai An Hai, a China-flagged bulk carrier.

Citing a report from the PCG Action Center in Manila, he said the PCG station in Puerto Princesa City had dispatched the BRP Pampanga to rescue the crew of the Chinese ship.

Built in 1986, the 190-meter vessel “came from Singapore with limestone on board and was bound for Bohol,” according to Balilo.

Initial reports reaching the PCG said the 27,417-ton ship was located south of Tubbataha Reef and north of Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi in the Sulu Sea