Coast Guard rescues ailing Chinese crewman in Sulu

April 24, 2018

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued an ailing crew of a Chinese cargo vessel off the waters in southern Philippines on Tuesday.

Capt. Armando Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman, said based on initial report a Chinese crewman named Zheng Le suffered an attack of epilepsy while their vessel MV China Peace was transiting the waters near Laparan Island in Pangutaran, Sulu.

Balilo said the rescue operation was made on Tuesday morning after the PCG Action Center in Manila was alerted on Monday.

“PCG Action Center in Manila was alerted of the incident yesterday and directed PCG South Western Mindanao to deploy vessel to rendezvous with the Chinese Cargo vessel near Pearl Bank in Tawi Tawi,” he said.

Balilo said the PCG deployed its Multi-Role Response Vessel BRP Malabrigo with a medical team to rescue Le.

“He (Le) was subsequently transferred to BRP Malabrigo and was brought to Zamboanga City for proper medical attention,” he said.

Balilo said the Chinese vessel proceeded to Australia while PCG is coordinating with Chinese embassy and the ship’s local agent for the proper disposition of Le. Robina Asido/DMS