Philippine Coast Guard Withdraws Flagship from Sabina Shoal in South China Sea

Sep 15, 2024, 08:50 AM

The Philippine Coast Guard has withdrawn its flagship vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, from Sabina Shoal, also known as Escoda Shoal, in the South China Sea after a five-month standoff with China. The vessel, which had been anchored at the disputed reef, referred to as Xianbin Reef by China, since April 2024, has returned to its home port. The withdrawal marks a new phase in the ongoing maritime tensions between Manila and Beijing. Despite the withdrawal, the Philippines has announced that it will continue to deploy vessels in the contested area, with a replacement ship being sent to Sabina Shoal immediately. The standoff had seen the Philippine vessel face supply blockades from Chinese forces, leading to dehydration among some personnel. The withdrawal was partly attributed to China's effective control measures, which blocked resupply operations. The vessel MRRV-9701 was involved in the standoff.