Philippines vessel from contested South China Sea shoal returns to port

Reuters | September 15, 2024 | 10:55 AM IST | Breaking News, Philippines, World | Follow on Google News

Philippines vessel from contested South China Sea shoal returns to port

Philippines vessel from contested South China Sea shoal returns to port

MANILA, Sept 15 (Reuters) – The Philippines is returning to port a coast guard vessel anchored in the contested Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea after a five-month deployment as its mission is accomplished, the maritime council said on Sunday.

Since April, coast guard vessel Teresa Magbanua was deployed to monitor what Manila suspects to be China’s small-scale reclamation activities in the area. Its presence has angered Beijing, turning the shoal into the latest flashpoint in the contested waters.

“After more than five months at sea, where she carried out her sentinel duties against overwhelming odds, BRP Teresa Magbanua is now sailing back to her homeport with her mission accomplished,” Lucas Bersamin, executive secretary and chairman of the National Maritime Council said in a statement.

Bersamin said Teresa Magbauna’s return was necessary to the medical needs of its crew and to undergo repairs.

Reuters