{"id":23968,"date":"2026-01-27T19:02:21","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T19:02:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=23968"},"modified":"2026-01-27T19:02:21","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T19:02:21","slug":"nickel-ore-liquefaction-suspected-in-devon-bay-sinking-near-scarborough-shoal-that-killed-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krogragg.com\/?p=23968","title":{"rendered":"Nickel Ore Liquefaction Suspected In Devon Bay Sinking Near Scarborough Shoal That Killed 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nickel Ore Liquefaction Suspected In Devon Bay Sinking Near Scarborough Shoal That Killed 2
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The Singapore-flagged bulk carrier Devon Bay sank near Scarborough Shoal on 23 January, leaving two crew members dead and four missing, with authorities suspecting that nickel ore liquefaction caused the vessel to capsize.<\/p>\n

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said initial accounts from crew members indicated that excessive moisture in the ship\u2019s 55,000-ton cargo of nickel ore may have caused the cargo to shift suddenly to the port side.<\/p>\n

This loss of balance occurred amid rough sea conditions and large waves, leading to the vessel\u2019s capsizing.<\/p>\n

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said these findings were based on preliminary crew statements and that the investigation was still ongoing with no final conclusions yet.<\/p>\n

The Devon Bay, owned by K Line Pte Ltd, transmitted a distress signal late on 22 January while sailing from the Philippines to China.<\/p>\n

The vessel had 21 Filipino officers and crew members on board. A joint rescue operation involving the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard led to the rescue of 17 crew members, although two later died from their injuries.<\/p>\n

The ship\u2019s captain, Elimar Jucal, and three other crew members remain missing.<\/p>\n

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PCG received 15 survivors and two deceased crew members of M\/V Devon Bay during a turnover operation conducted between the PCG and the China Coast Guard (CCG) at approximately 168 nautical miles west off Pangasinan, January 25, 2026.
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\u2014 Philippine Coast Guard (@coastguardph) January 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n