A Singapore-registered bulk carrier Devon Bay has sunk in the South China Sea while on passage to Yangjiang, China, triggering a large-scale international search and rescue operation involving Chinese and Philippine authorities.
According to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the incident was reported on 23 January 2026. At the time of the accident, the vessel was carrying 21 crew members. All crew had abandoned the ship before it sank.
Seventeen seafarers have been recovered so far. Two of them were later confirmed dead, while one remains under emergency medical treatment. Four crew members are still missing as search operations continue.
Circumstances of the incident
Initial distress reports indicated that the vessel was listing heavily – by about 25 degrees – before capsizing. The ship’s last known position was recorded at around 8:30 pm on 22 January, approximately 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point in Pangasinan province, within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.
The bulk carrier was reported to be loaded with iron ore and was operating in the central South China Sea when it encountered difficulties. The exact cause of the sinking has not yet been established.
Multi-national rescue effort
China and the Philippines launched parallel rescue operations shortly after receiving the distress alert near the area of Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal). The Chinese military reported that it received notification of a foreign cargo vessel capsizing at around 1:30 am on 23 January.
The China Coast Guard dispatched nearby patrol vessels to the scene, while military aircraft were deployed for continuous aerial searches.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also mobilised significant assets, deploying offshore patrol vessels BRP Teresa Magbanua and BRP Cape San Agustin, along with two PCG aircraft, to support the search for the missing seafarers. Earlier coordination through the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre led to 10 crew members being rescued by a passing China Coast Guard vessel.
PCG officials confirmed that all crew members on board were Filipino nationals and stated that rescue teams remain on high alert, with operations continuing both at sea and from the air.
Investigation underway
As the vessel’s flag state, MPA said it is in close contact with the shipowner and relevant search and rescue authorities and is providing support as required. An investigation into the circumstances of the sinking has been launched, with further updates expected as more information becomes available.
Rescue authorities from all sides say efforts remain focused on locating the four missing crew members and ensuring the safety of those already recovered.
