Philippines Accuses China Coast Guard of Ramming Fisheries Boat

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Philippines Accuses China Coast Guard of Ramming Fisheries Boat

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MANILA, Philippines – A collision occurred in the South China Sea on Friday, September 18, 2026, when a China Coast Guard vessel allegedly rammed a Philippine government fisheries boat. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that the incident took place about 54 nautical miles from Palawan, an area well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

The Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel, named BRP Datu Magat Salamat, was on a mission to deliver fuel assistance to Filipino fishermen when the confrontation occurred. According to the PCG, the Chinese Coast Guard vessel, CCG-21585, first cut across the stern of the Philippine ship at approximately 11:04 a.m., coming within 10 meters. Nine minutes later, while the BRP Datu Magat Salamat maintained its course, the Chinese vessel repeated the maneuver, striking the Philippine ship’s starboard side.

The collision resulted in damage to the BRP Datu Magat Salamat, including bent, broken, and detached railings, deformed metal stanchions, and displaced deck fixtures. The PCG characterized the collision as deliberate, accusing the Chinese vessel of endangering the Filipino crew. China’s coast guard, however, placed blame on the Philippine vessel, asserting that it disregarded warnings and deliberately changed course, threatening the safety of the Chinese vessel and personnel.

This incident marks another escalation in the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. In July 2026, China and the Philippines had multiple clashes at Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, involving water cannons and accusations of dangerous maneuvers.

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