MANILA, Philippines โ The Singapore-flagged bulk carrier M/V Devon Bay that capsized near Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal last week was carrying nickel ore, not iron ore, according to shipping industry data and clarifications from Philippine maritime authorities, correcting earlier reports that misidentified the cargo.
The vessel, crewed by 21 Filipino seafarers, overturned in the West Philippine Sea on January 22 while en route to Yangjiang, China, after departing from Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte. At least two crew members were confirmed dead, while four remain missing, as search and rescue operations continue.
Nickel ore, not iron
Initial reports from several media outlets described the cargo as iron ore.
However, commercial shipping records and industry sources indicate that Devon Bay was transporting nickel laterite ore, a mineral regularly shipped from northern Mindanao to China for smelting and stainless steel production.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the vessel loaded its cargo in Gutalac, an area associated with nickel mining and export operations, not iron ore extraction.
โBased on available shipping and port data, the cargo involved was nickel ore,โ a PCG source said, adding that cargo declarations are part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Rescue efforts were launched by the China Coast Guard and the Chinese Peopleโs Liberation Army Southern Theater Command, with Philippine authorities deploying BRP Teresa Magbanua, BRP Cape San Agustin, and surveillance aircraft to assist Filipino crew members.
Rescued: 17 crew members
As of the latest update, 17 crew members have been rescued, most of whom are in stable condition. One seafarer remains in critical condition and is undergoing emergency treatment, according to the Chinese embassy in Manila.
The capsizing occurred near Panatag Shoal, one of the most contested maritime features in the South China Sea and a long-standing flashpoint in territorial disputes between China and the Philippines.
The PCG said Devon Bayโs last known position was recorded at around 141 nautical miles west of Pangasinan on the evening of January 22. Authorities are now looking into whether weather conditions, vessel stability, or cargo loading contributed to the accident.
Search operations for the missing crew members are ongoing.
About The Author
