4 Philippine Sailors Injured, 2 Vessels Damaged in Chinese Attempt to Block Second Thomas Shoal Resupply

[Tony]

In the South China Sea on Tuesday, China Coast Guard cutters blasted water cannons and rammed Manila’s latest resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) at Second Thomas Shoal, injuring crew and damaging vessels.

According National Task Force-West Philippine Sea statement on the incident, the civilian chartered resupply boat Unaizah May 4 and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Parola-class patrol vessel BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407) were forced to turn back after Chinese ships blocked their passage.

Four Philippine Navy sailors sustained minor injuries after the two Chinese cutters used water cannons on Unaizah May 4, shattering the wooden resupply boat’s windshield.