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PCG Rushes To Rescue 21 Filipino Crew After Cargo Ship Capsizes
Photo credit: PCG
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is racing against time after a Singapore-flagged cargo ship carrying 21 Filipino crew members capsized in Philippine waters.
What happened?
The ship, M/V Devon Bay, was carrying iron ore when it started listing and eventually capsized. The last recorded position was about 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point in Pangasinan, around 8:30 p.m. on January 22, 2026. At that time, the vessel was already tilted at about 25 degrees.
PCG responds quickly
The PCG immediately deployed two vessels:
• BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701)
• BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408)
They also sent aircraft to help locate the missing crew.
Good news
Early on January 23, the PCG received word from the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre that 10 crew members had already been rescued by a passing China Coast Guard vessel.
This rescue was carried out under international maritime rules that require ships to help anyone in distress at sea — regardless of which country’s waters they’re in.
PCG’s message
The PCG emphasized that although the incident happened inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), foreign vessels cannot conduct law enforcement activities there. But they are allowed to pass through.
What’s next
PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said the Coast Guard is still monitoring the situation closely and remains fully committed to finding and rescuing the remaining crew.
What happened?
The ship, M/V Devon Bay, was carrying iron ore when it started listing and eventually capsized. The last recorded position was about 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point in Pangasinan, around 8:30 p.m. on January 22, 2026. At that time, the vessel was already tilted at about 25 degrees.
PCG responds quickly
The PCG immediately deployed two vessels:
• BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701)
• BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408)
They also sent aircraft to help locate the missing crew.
Good news
Early on January 23, the PCG received word from the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre that 10 crew members had already been rescued by a passing China Coast Guard vessel.
This rescue was carried out under international maritime rules that require ships to help anyone in distress at sea — regardless of which country’s waters they’re in.
PCG’s message
The PCG emphasized that although the incident happened inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), foreign vessels cannot conduct law enforcement activities there. But they are allowed to pass through.
What’s next
PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said the Coast Guard is still monitoring the situation closely and remains fully committed to finding and rescuing the remaining crew.
Jan 23, 2026
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