Search and rescue operations are continuing in the South China Sea after the Singapore-registered bulk carrier Devon Bay capsized and sank while en route to China.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said it was informed on January 23 that the 2013-built bulker had gone down while sailing towards Yangjiang.
The crew had abandoned the vessel before it sank.Seventeen of the 21 crewmembers have been recovered so far, although two were later confirmed dead. Four seafarers remain unaccounted for. There were no Singapore nationals on board.
The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) said the Devon Bay’s last known position was around 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point in the Philippines. The vessel had earlier sent a distress call reporting a heavy list of about 25 degrees.
The Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre confirmed that 10 crewmembers were initially picked up by a passing China Coast Guard vessel. Chinese authorities later said two coastguard ships were dispatched to assist after the incident, which occurred roughly 100 km northwest of Scarborough Shoal.
China’s Southern Theater Command said 17 Filipino crew members were pulled from the water, including 14 in stable condition, one receiving medical treatment, and the bodies of two seafarers.
The Devon Bay, a 56,095-dwt bulker, is owned by Japanese shipping group K Line through its Singapore-based unit. The vessel was sailing from Gutalac in the southern Philippines to Yangjiang, China.
As flag state, the MPA said it is in contact with the shipowner and regional rescue authorities and is providing support where required. The authority has also confirmed it will investigate the incident. Search efforts involving Philippine vessels and aircraft remain ongoing as authorities race to locate the four missing crewmembers. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
