Sailors were racing toward China when their ship sank and what rescuers found hours later left families fearing the worst

At least two sailors have died, and four remain missing after the Singapore-flagged cargo vessel Devon Bay capsized in disputed waters of the South China Sea. The incident came to light through Al Jazeera, which reported that the bulk carrier was carrying 21 Filipino crew members when it suddenly overturned.

The ship had been sailing toward Yangjiang in China’s Guangdong province when contact was lost late Thursday night. It capsized in the early hours of Friday, about 60 miles northwest of the Scarborough Shoal, triggering a large-scale search and rescue effort in waters more often associated with regional standoffs.

Authorities confirmed that 15 crew members were rescued alive, while the bodies of two sailors were recovered. Four crew members remain unaccounted for, and search operations continued as conditions allowed.

A rare moment of cooperation in disputed waters

China and the Philippines both deployed assets to the area despite ongoing tensions over the Scarborough Shoal, a region where broader geopolitical disputes have recently stirred strong rhetoric and political debate on issues including territorial claims and international diplomacy, like discussions over the leaked Macron texts on Greenland that have drawn attention in news cycles. China’s Ministry of National Defense said the Chinese Coast Guard sent two vessels, while the Philippines Coast Guard dispatched two vessels and two aircraft to assist in the operation.

Chinese rescue teams recovered 17 people from the water, including 14 Filipino sailors who were reported to be in stable condition. One sailor required immediate medical attention, and the recovery effort also included the two confirmed fatalities, according to China’s Southern Theater Command. Despite the complex situation in the South China Sea, the response reflected a rare alignment of resources focused entirely on saving lives rather than confrontation, even as other geopolitical developments, such as discussions on Gaza’s future by key advisors, have stayed in the headlines.

The incident occurred near one of the most sensitive flashpoints in the South China Sea. The Scarborough Shoal is claimed by both Beijing and Manila and has been the site of frequent confrontations involving coast guard and naval vessels from both countries.

China has controlled the shoal since a 2012 standoff and maintains a constant presence in the area. While a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague rejected China’s expansive maritime claims and affirmed the shoal as a traditional fishing ground for the Philippines, Beijing has not recognized the decision.

Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority confirmed the sinking of the Devon Bay and said it is working with the vessel’s owner and relevant rescue agencies. As the flag state, Singapore has also stated that it will investigate the cause of the capsizing as search efforts continue for the four missing sailors.