VIDEO | Philippine Coast Guard posts footage of collision between two Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reports that a collision occurred between vessels of the China Coast Guard (CCG) and the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Monday, August 11.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, Coast Guard Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, confirmed via a social media post that a CCG vessel with hull number 3104 and a PLAN warship with hull number 164 collided with each other some 10.5 nautical miles off the disputed shoal on Monday.

Tarriela said the collision occurred as the CCG ship was pursuing the PCG 44-metre multi-role response vessel (MRRV) BRP Suluan at high speed. The MRRV was in the area as it was assisting a group of Filipino fishing boats at the time.

The CCG vessel then, "performed a risky manoeuvre from the PCG vessel's starboard quarter, leading to the impact with the warship," said Tarriela. "This resulted in substantial damage to the CCG vessel's forecastle, rendering it unseaworthy."

Following the collision between the Chinese vessels, the PCG immediately offered support, including assistance with MOB recovery and medical aid for any injured CCG crewmembers. However, Tarriela said that the Chinese did not issue a response to the offer of assistance.