Survivors of a boat explosion near Scarborough Shoal criticized the nearby China Coast Guard (CCG) for failing to assist them, despite being in the vicinity.
The CCG only threw life vests, which hit one of the fishermen and were deemed useless as they were already being rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The explosion left two fishermen injured, and survivors were eventually rescued by fellow fishermen and the PCG’s BRP Sindangan.
The injured fishermen, now hospitalized, recounted their ordeal and previous hostile encounters with the CCG.
While one survivor, Rolando Lumapas, plans to continue fishing despite the incident, another, Freddie Legaspi, is uncertain about returning to the disputed waters.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 2, 2024
