The Philippines rejected Beijing’s claim that the US vessel entered Chinese territory. Taiwan separately reported a coast guard confrontation near the Pratas Islands on the same day.
MPA reported no injuries among the 21 seafarers evacuated from GFS Pride. A separate incident damaged GFS Giselle’s hull, but the vessel reached a safe anchorage with all 22 crew members safe.
Updates issued on 13 October listed five survivors from HS Dignity and confirmed the rescue of all 15 Chelsea 3 crew. Bulgaria said it lacked definitive evidence identifying the drones’ origin.
Alfa Watan sank and Able caught fire after aerial and sea drone attacks in Bulgaria’s Black Sea EEZ, a day after the fatal sinking of Royad Mammadov off Romania.
UKMTO issued a warning on 1 October after receiving a third-party report of a tanker strike and fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Crew safety was reported, but damage and environmental effects were unknown.
Puntland maritime police have freed tanker SIBU 1 after its August hijacking, with authorities reporting all 20 crew rescued and 15 pirates captured.
The EU says its EUNAVFOR Aspides mission needs more than 10 warships as member states are asked to provide additional naval and air assets for Red Sea shipping security.
China has added communications facilities at its Djibouti military base near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, with CSIS identifying new antennas, satellite communications and 5G equipment.
South Korea plans to expand its West Sea fleet of 3,000-tonne-class Coast Guard patrol vessels from 11 to 17 by 2030, with construction funding included in the 2027 budget.
