Chinese coast guard rescues Philippine sailors in disputed waters, two found dead (update)

Members of the China Coast Guard rescuing a Filipino crew member after the foreign cargo ship capsized in the territorial waters of China's Huangyan Island or Scarborough Shoal, on Jan 23, 2026. - Xinhua

MANILA: Chinese coast guard ships pulled 17 Filipino sailors, including two dead, from disputed waters in the South China Sea on Friday (Jan 23) after a cargo vessel capsized, China's military said.

The Singapore-flagged M/V Devon Bay and its crew of 21 Philippine sailors sent a distress signal at around 8.30pm (1230 GMT) on Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard said.