Photo: Chinese Embassy in the Philippines

On December 25, while conducting a patrol mission in the South China Sea, the Chinese Navy vessel 174 detected a distress signal from a Philippine fishing boat. The fishing boat had been stranded at sea for three days due to a mechanical failure, and the fisherman on board was facing shortages of drinking water and food, according to a notice published by the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Friday. 

The embassy said the Chinese Navy responded swiftly by dispatching a rescue boat to urgently deliver drinking water, food, and other essential supplies to the Philippine fishing vessel, effectively safeguarding the life of the fisherman. During the operation, the Chinese side also carried out necessary communication and coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard vessel No.4408.