On March 5, 2024, at 8:15am, a Philippine supply vessel, Unaizah May 4, was involved in a tense confrontation with the China Coast Guard near Ayungin Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippine vessel was part of a rotation and reprovisioning mission to BRP Sierra Madre, involving other Philippine Coast Guard vessels including BRP CABRA and BRP SINDANGAN, deployed under the command of CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan. During the operation, the Unaizah May 4 successfully evaded a blocking maneuver by a China Coast Guard vessel but was later targeted by dual water cannons from Chinese vessels 21555 and 21551, resulting in a minor collision and the shattering of its windshield. This attack injured at least four Philippine Navy personnel onboard. The incident has drawn international attention, with footage showing the severity of the confrontation and highlighting the risks associated with the use of water cannons. In response to the escalating tensions, the U.S. Navy deployed a carrier strike group, including three guided-missile destroyers, a Tico cruiser, and a submarine, to the region.
"A large fleet of Chinese ships surrounded the Philippine convoy, drawing so close at times that the crew could see each other’s faces. They wove between the four Philippine vessels, trying to force them apart." @felizysolo https://t.co/EnDcKK8LCc https://t.co/EnDcKK8LCc
Footage of the moment the #Philippine ship is hit by #Chinese water cannons and the windshield of the bridge breaks. 4 personnel were injured in the water cannon attack. Broken glass can kill people. Via @ABSCBNNews & the #Philippines Armed Forces https://t.co/wp7t4HqH3r
Next time someone tries to dismiss the China Coast Guard's use of water cannons as non-violent or non-kinetic, forward this video. PRC Coast Guard's use-of-force against Philippines vessels is inappropriate and diminishes the credibility of PRC rhetoric about desire for peace. https://t.co/JoeoYo3J9F
The U.S. Navy placed a carrier strike group—including 3 guided-missile destroyers, Tico cruiser, & (never too far away) a sub or 2—between China & the Philippines during the recent resupply mission. Timing aligns with Chinese provocations & blockade in Philippines territory. https://t.co/Eqyrh8cAkv
In case you've been wondering how dangerous the China Coast Guard's high pressure water cannons can be. https://t.co/Nx7l7XL0Ch
"The supply boat, manned by Filipino navy personnel, was later hit by water cannon blasts from two Chinese coast guard ships. Its windshield shattered, injuring at least 4 Filipino crew members." 2TS is the flashpoint most likely to escalate this year. https://t.co/SakGLYNsfA
More shocking footage of China blasting a small Philippines boat with dual water cannons. This video is for anyone who thinks using water cannons isn’t a big deal. Imagine that glass shattering in your face… https://t.co/jnGFr9OoyJ
🚨 at 8:15am Mar 5, one 🇨🇳 China Coast Guard vessel caused a minor collision with 🇵🇭 supply boat Unaizah May 4 (UM4) due to its dangerous blocking maneuvers. 🇨🇳 CCG vessels 21555 and 21551 fired water cannons simultaneously against UM4, eventually shattering UM4’s wind shield and… https://t.co/jWgTgFD56l https://t.co/pRfbK3XVAR
WATCH: The windshield of 🇵🇭Philippine boat Unaizah May 4 shatters as 🇨🇳China Coast Guard vessels fire water canon at it during its rotation and reprovisioning mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on Tuesday, March 5. 🎥: Armed Forces of the Philippines. @gmanews https://t.co/zRpY2BEehP
NSC confirms 4 PH Navy Personnel onboard resupply ship Unaizah May 4 on RORE mission to Ayungin Shoal injured by Chinese Coast Guard water cannon attack. https://t.co/DktIUnCanP
This morning, @coastguardph vessels, BRP CABRA and BRP SINDANGAN, were deployed by the Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, to support the Rotation and Reprovisioning Operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Throughout the operation, the PCG vessels faced dangerous… https://t.co/WsjnMnGSEk
A great video via @BRPSierraMadre Watch the #Philippine Supply Vessel Unaiza May successfully evaded a blocking maneuver by a #ChinaCoastGuard vessel, ensuring the vital resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal continued unhindered. https://t.co/SEPsva0xKi