The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responds to a maritime incident involving a Taiwanese fishing vessel, SHENG FENG NO. 12, that collided with a suspected Bangladeshi-flagged bulk carrier at the vicinity 77 nautical miles off Candon, Ilocos Sur, at around 9PM yesterday, 12 December 2023.

The suspected Bangladeshi-flagged bulk carrier departed Changshu, China, going to Muara Berau, Indonesia, when the maritime incident occurred.

Taiwan Coast Guard Attaché, Commander Arthur Yang, coordinated the collision with the PCG Command Center, leading to the immediate deployment of BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) to assist the Taiwanese fishing vessel.

Commander Yang said SHENG FENG NO. 12 needs portable pumps to draw out seawater as it incurred damages at its bow. At around 10AM, its location was monitored at 11 nautical miles off Vigan City.

The PCG and Taiwan Coast Guard coordinated with the owner of SHENG FENG NO. 12 to recommend sailing to the nearest port in the Northern Philippines to check the vessel's condition and ensure the safety of its five Indonesian and two Taiwanese crew members.