Eight people are missing, and 13 have been rescued after a cargo boat carrying 21 Filipino crew members capsized near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, Chinese authorities have confirmed.
The incident occurred around 55 nautical miles northwest of the disputed shoal, an area regularly patrolled by Chinese and Philippine vessels.
The China Coast Guard (CCG) is leading the ongoing rescue operation, while the Philippine Coast Guard has also dispatched ships and aircraft to assist.
Authorities say conditions in the area are challenging, but efforts to locate the missing crew members are continuing.
What Happened During the Incident?
Early reports indicate the Singapore-flagged vessel overturned on 23 January, but the exact cause, whether due to bad weather, a navigational error, or a collision, has not yet been confirmed.
Of the 21 crew members on board, 13 have been safely rescued, leaving eight still missing.
Search and rescue teams from both China and the Philippines are coordinating efforts in the busy but hazardous waters around Scarborough Shoal.
How many people were on board and what is their status?
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| People on board | 21 |
| Rescued by CCG so far | 13 |
| Still missing | 8 |
| Nationality involved | Filipino crew |
The Philippine Coast Guard has also mobilised vessels and aircraft to assist in the search and rescue operation.
Why Scarborough Shoal Is Contested?
Scarborough Shoal, known locally in the Philippines as Panatag or Bajo de Masinloc, is a small coral reef and fishing area deep in the South China Sea.
China Coast Guard Rescues 13 Philippine Crew Members After Cargo Ship Capsizes
At 1:34 a.m. on January 23, 2026, China Coast Guard (#CCG) received a report from the Maritime Search and Rescue Center of #Sansha City, China’s #Hainan Province, that a foreign cargo vessel had… pic.twitter.com/mJ5YskdyBM
— China Military Bugle (@ChinaMilBugle) January 23, 2026
While it lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, Chinese coastguard vessels have maintained control over the shoal since 2012.
The shoal is a hotspot for maritime tension because China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan all claim parts of the surrounding waters.
The region is strategically important for fishing, trade routes, and potential energy resources.
Past confrontations have involved coastguard ships and naval vessels from China and the Philippines, including a collision between two Chinese ships in August 2025 during a pursuit near the shoal.
What Authorities Are Saying?
The China Coast Guard confirmed that two vessels were immediately dispatched to the site of the capsizing. “Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and every effort is being made to locate the missing crew,” a spokesperson said.
The Philippine Coast Guard has also stated that it is monitoring the situation closely and has deployed ships and aircraft to aid in the rescue.
Officials emphasised that they are coordinating closely with Chinese authorities to ensure the safety of those involved.
Implications for the UK and International Shipping
Although this incident is far from the UK, it highlights risks in critical international shipping lanes.
The South China Sea is a major route for global trade, and disputes in the region can affect shipping schedules, insurance costs, and maritime safety standards.
UK companies operating in the Indo-Pacific may face increased vigilance and navigation challenges until tensions ease.
