MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701), BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408), and two PCG aircraft to conduct search and rescue operations for the 21 all-Filipino crew of M/V Devon Bay, a Singaporean-flagged general cargo vessel loaded with iron ore.

Based on initial reports, the vessel departed Gutalac, Zamboanga del Sur, bound for Yangjiang, China, when the maritime incident occurred. The ship’s last known position was recorded at around 8:30 p.m. on January 22, 2026, approximately 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point, Ango Bay, Pangasinan.

The PCG said it received a distress report indicating that the vessel was already listing at about 25 degrees.

On January 23, 2026, the PCG Command Center received information from the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre that 10 of the 21 Filipino crew members were rescued by a passing China Coast Guard vessel.

The PCG said the rescue was a humanitarian mission conducted in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which obliges all states to require their ships to assist persons in distress at sea, including those passing through other coastal states’ maritime zones or jurisdictions.

The last known position of M/V Devon Bay is within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, where ships are allowed to pass under the high seas freedom of navigation as provided by UNCLOS. The PCG noted, however, that such freedom does not allow law enforcement patrols by foreign vessels.

PCG Spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said the Coast Guard continues to closely monitor the situation and remains committed to ensuring the safety of the remaining crew members.