Philippines and China Trade Blame Over South China Sea Vessel Collision

China Coast Guard vessel CCG-21585 collided with Philippine BFAR ship BRP Datu Magat Salamat at about 11:13 a.m. on September 18, 2026, about 6.36 nautical miles north-northwest of Abad Santos Shoal and roughly 54 nautical miles off Palawan. The BFAR ship was delivering subsidized fuel to Filipino fishermen. The Philippine Coast Guard said CCG-21585 passed within about 10 meters at about 11:04 a.m., struck the starboard side, then passed again at about five meters. Damage included bent, broken and detached railings, deformed metal stanchions and support structures, displaced deck fixtures and equipment, and scattered debris. No immediate injuries were reported. Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered surface and air assets to the scene. Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela said China deliberately rammed a civilian government vessel on a humanitarian and livelihood mission and cited violations of UNCLOS. He said the waters belong to the Filipino people and the PCG will keep supporting BFAR missions. China said the Philippine vessel ignored warnings, changed course and accelerated across the Chinese ship's bow.