Initial findings suggest liquefaction of the cargo and rough seas caused the sinking of the 56,095-dwt bulker Devon Bay off Scarborough Shoal, reports the Manila's Philippines Inquirer.

The vessel was carrying 55,000 tons of nickel ore, which shifted due to moisture content, listing the ship to port. Waves were reported to be high at the time of the incident, 60 nautical miles northeast of Panatag Shoal.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) searched for four missing crew members of the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier including its captain who ordered his men to abandon ship before it capsized off Scarborough Shoal.

Survivors recounted that Captain Elimar Jucal was the last to leave the vessel before disappearing.

Fifteen survivors were brought to Manila aboard the 646-ton rescue patrol ship BRP Teresa Magbanua after being rescued by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG). Captain Alvin Dagalea of the Teresa Magbanua relayed their account, saying Jucal instructed the crew to jump before the ship sank. Two deceased crew members were also recovered.

Philippines Coast Guard chief Adm Ronnie Gil Gavan praised Captain Jucal's actions as heroic, noting that the captain upheld the tradition of being the last to leave his ship. He said his conduct was "an inspiration to every marine" and expressed hope that the missing captain could still be found.

Survivors were transferred smoothly from the China Coast Guard to the PCG about 161 nautical miles west of Pangasinan. Five CCG rescue boats and two PCG inflatable boats were deployed, with both sides cooperating closely. This contrasted with past tensions at Panatag Shoal, including a 2025 collision involving Chinese and Philippine vessels.

The shoal remains contested, with Beijing claiming sovereignty over most of the South China Sea. An international tribunal ruling in 2016 upheld the Philippines' rights and recognised Panatag Shoal as a traditional fishing ground for the Philippines, China and Vietnam. Despite disputes, Gavan stressed that saving lives takes precedence over territorial issues.