A New Flashpoint Emerges in the West Philippine Sea as China and the Philippines Collide at Escoda Shoal

On Monday, August 19, two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels “encountered unlawful and aggressive maneuvers” from two other Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels on their way to the islands of Patag and Lawak in the West Philippine Sea. According to reports from the PCG, the first incident took place at 3:24AM when the Philippines’ BRP Cape Engaño collided with CCGV-3104 around 23 nautical miles from Escoda (Sabina) Shoal. Another incident occurred shortly after, when CCGV-21551 rammed BRP Bagacay twice on its port and starboard sides, also near the same shoal. Both PCG vessels sustained minor structural damage and no casualties were reported in the incident. 

Damage sustained by BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño. Source: Philippine Coast Guard (1)(2)

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