The Philippine Coast Guard has ordered the returned to base of the patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua from the lagoon at Sabina Shoal after five months on station, citing the impact of a Chinese blockade and the deteriorating health of several crewmembers on board.
“While committed to her mission at [Sabina] Shoal, BRP Teresa Magbanua was compelled to return to port due to unfavorable weather conditions, depleted supplies of daily necessities, and the need to evacuate personnel requiring medical care,” said PCG spokesman Jay Tarriela. “This has been further complicated by the structural damage to the vessel resulting from the deliberate ramming by the China Coast Guard on August 31, 2024.”
The PCG attempted to resupply the Magbanua in August, but the effort was thwarted by a blockade carried out by more than three dozen Chinese vessels. Without regular supply runs, the stores aboard the cutter began to run low. According to GMA News, the crew had only had rice porridge to eat since late August and had run out of food altogether by September 13. They were also out of fresh water and the crew was beginning to experience dehydration.
Four crewmembers needed to be hospitalized upon return to port, including two who were removed from the ship on stretchers. They were in stable condition but were placed under medical observation for acute gastroenteritis, gout, electrolyte imbalance and heat exhaustion, according to the PCG.
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