PCG says Chinese vessels delayed medical evacuation of Filipino sailor at Ayungin Shoal

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 09, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Philippine Coast Guard

The Philippine Coast Guard accused Chinese vessels of obstructing an emergency medical evacuation for a Filipino Navy personnel stationed aboard the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

The evacuation was completed on Thursday, October 8, but the PCG said the operation took nearly 10 hours because of the actions of Chinese Coast Guard vessels.

According to PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela, a Chinese vessel used a water cannon and shadowed Philippine assets, complicating efforts to transfer the sailor for medical treatment.

The presence of Chinese vessels also forced the Philippine team to adjust its planned rendezvous point to safely retrieve the ailing personnel.

Despite the difficulties, the sailor was transferred to a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, where he received an initial medical assessment and intravenous fluids before being transported ashore for further treatment.

The incident highlights continuing tensions between Manila and Beijing over activities around Ayungin Shoal, also known internationally as Second Thomas Shoal, where Filipino personnel remain stationed aboard the grounded BRP Sierra Madre.

The Philippine Coast Guard condemned the reported interference, saying the actions endangered personnel carrying out a humanitarian mission.

The BRP Sierra Madre serves as a Philippine outpost in the disputed waters, where Chinese and Philippine vessels have repeatedly encountered each other amid overlapping maritime claims.