Filipino scientists in Pag-asa Island 'harassed', injured by China aircraft: BFAR
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Filipino scientists in Pag-asa Island 'harassed', injured by China aircraft: BFAR
Jose Carretero,
ABS-CBN News
Published Mar 26, 2024 12:19 PM PHT
MANILA — A team of Filipino scientists and researchers conducting marine resource assessment in Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea was "harassed" by a Chinese helicopter on Saturday, resulting in injuries of some members of the team, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said.
MANILA — A team of Filipino scientists and researchers conducting marine resource assessment in Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea was "harassed" by a Chinese helicopter on Saturday, resulting in injuries of some members of the team, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said.
In a video released by BFAR, a People’s Liberation Army Navy helicopter with tail number 57 was seen hovering above Sandy Cay 3 and 4 and monitoring the activity of the research team from the bureau, the UP Institute of Biology, and National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI).
In a video released by BFAR, a People’s Liberation Army Navy helicopter with tail number 57 was seen hovering above Sandy Cay 3 and 4 and monitoring the activity of the research team from the bureau, the UP Institute of Biology, and National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI).
The helicopter continued to hover at a very close distance to the sand bar, where some researchers were conducting their assessment.
The helicopter continued to hover at a very close distance to the sand bar, where some researchers were conducting their assessment.
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According to BFAR personnel, the researchers were frightened after the helicopter started to get as low as 50 feet from the ground, for about 10 minutes.
According to BFAR personnel, the researchers were frightened after the helicopter started to get as low as 50 feet from the ground, for about 10 minutes.
Some of the scientists and BFAR crew sustained minor injuries such cuts and scratches due to the strong wind and debris induced by continuous hovering.
Some of the scientists and BFAR crew sustained minor injuries such cuts and scratches due to the strong wind and debris induced by continuous hovering.
A BFAR crew manning the underwater drone almost drowned because he could not come out of the water due to the strong winds caused by the helicopter. The personnel was rescued by a colleague.
A BFAR crew manning the underwater drone almost drowned because he could not come out of the water due to the strong winds caused by the helicopter. The personnel was rescued by a colleague.
The research divers also reported hearing “ping” sounds with three-second intervals while diving at Cay 3.
The research divers also reported hearing “ping” sounds with three-second intervals while diving at Cay 3.
Due to the incident, the mission commander recalled the research team.
Due to the incident, the mission commander recalled the research team.
The harassment happened on the same day that China Coast Guard vessels fired water cannon at the Philippine resupply boat Unaizah May 4 during the rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.
The harassment happened on the same day that China Coast Guard vessels fired water cannon at the Philippine resupply boat Unaizah May 4 during the rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal.
The resupply boat incurred severe damage and 3 personnel on board sustained injuries.
The resupply boat incurred severe damage and 3 personnel on board sustained injuries.
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