Read Authentic Ratings for the Devon-Bay

The search and rescue (SAR) operation for the missing crew of the 'Devon Bay' has officially concluded as of the evening of February 1, according to K Line Pte Ltd, the vessel's operator. This extensive multinational rescue effort spanned over a week and involved collaboration between various maritime agencies. K Line expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Philippine and China Coast Guards, along with all coordinating rescue centers and vessels, including those from its own fleet, for their unwavering commitment and professionalism throughout the mission. Out of the 21 Filipino crew members aboard, 17 were successfully rescued through joint operations conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard. In a tragic turn of events, two of the rescued crew members later succumbed to their injuries, leaving four crew members still unaccounted for. Preliminary reports from the surviving crew suggest that liquefaction of the cargo may have played a critical role in the vessel's sinking. The moist nickel ore cargo is believed to have caused a sudden shift to the port side, destabilizing 'Devon Bay' in challenging sea conditions. The investigation into this incident is still in its early stages. K Line has pledged to cooperate fully with authorities and the ship manager to provide ongoing support to affected crew members and their families. Additionally, Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority has initiated a formal investigation into the incident, with K Line assuring its full cooperation in the inquiries.

On January 23, the bulk carrier 'Devon Bay' tragically sank near Scarborough Shoal, leading to the confirmed deaths of two crew members and leaving four others unaccounted for as of January 27. Survival did prevail for 15 crew members who were rescued and subsequently transferred to the Philippine Coast Guard approximately 168 nautical miles west of Tambobong, Pangasinan, on January 25. Initial interviews with the surviving crew indicated that the ship’s cargo of nickel ore may have been too moist, causing it to shift abruptly to the port side. This sudden movement destabilized the vessel as it battled rough sea conditions. Nickel ore, categorized as a high-risk Group A cargo under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, is prone to liquefaction. This hazardous phenomenon occurs when solid bulk cargo begins to behave like a liquid due to excessive moisture levels, which can result in catastrophic shifts within the ship's holds, risking immediate capsizing without warning. Following a period of reduced incidents due to Indonesia's 2014 export ban on unprocessed nickel ore, risks escalated again after the ban was partially lifted in 2017, prompting warnings from INTERCARGO about the imminent dangers. In response to this incident, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, as the flag state for the 'Devon Bay,' has initiated an investigation. Of notable bravery, the remaining captain, Elimar Jucal, instructed his crew to abandon ship when it began to tilt dangerously, according to testimonies from the survivors. Capt. Jucal was reportedly the last person to leave the vessel before it sank and remains among the missing, alongside three other crew members. The recovered bodies of the two deceased crew members, an able seaman and a boatswain’s mate, were brought aboard the 'Teresa Magbanua,' which docked in Manila early on January 26.

As of January 24, search and rescue endeavors are still in full swing following the distress of the 'Devon Bay'. The operation, spearheaded by the China Coast Guard and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), has mobilized three merchant vessels: the 'Corona Joyful', 'Cape Yamabuki', and 'Horizon Highway'. These ships are actively assisting in the coordinated efforts to locate the missing crew members from the ill-fated vessel. On the morning of January 24 at approximately 7:20 a.m., the PCG deployed an Islander aircraft for an aerial reconnaissance mission. Additionally, the BRP 'Teresa Magbanua' engaged in radio communications with passing ships in the vicinity, situated 141 nautical miles west-northwest of Tambobong, Pangasinan. The PCG urges all vessels navigating the area to proceed with caution, maintain a vigilant lookout, and offer assistance as required, in line with established international maritime protocols.

The 'Devon Bay', a bulk carrier carrying iron ore and staffed by 21 Filipino mariners, tragically capsized in the West Philippine Sea early on January 23, 2026. The vessel was on its way from Gutalac, Zamboanga del Sur, to Yangjiang when it developed a dangerous list of approximately 25 degrees and overturned about 55 nautical miles northwest of Bajo de Masinloc, close to the Scarborough Shoal. The ship's last recorded position was noted on January 22 at 8:30 p.m., situated 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point in Ango Bay, Pangasinan province. In response to the emergency, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) promptly deployed the BRP 'Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701)' and BRP 'Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408)', along with two aircraft to assist in the search and rescue operations, adhering to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Maritime Search and Rescue Centre in Sansha, Hainan province, received a distress signal around 1:30 a.m. On standby at the time, the Chinese Coast Guard vessels 'Dongsha' and 'Sanmen' were redirected to the scene for assistance. By midday, rescuers had successfully retrieved 17 crew members from the water. Out of these, 14 were reported to be in stable condition, while sadly, two crew members were confirmed deceased. Additionally, one sailor remains critically injured and is currently undergoing emergency medical treatment. Four crew members are still unaccounted for, prompting ongoing search and rescue efforts. In a coordinated effort, the Southern Command Theatre of the People’s Liberation Army also dispatched military aircraft to further bolster search operations in the affected area. Meanwhile, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sinking of the 'Devon Bay'. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

On July 1, 2013, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MES) successfully delivered the 56,000 deadweight ton (dwt) bulk carrier M.V. 'DEVON BAY' to 'K' LINE BULK SHIPPING (UK) LIMITED, based in the United Kingdom. Constructed at MES's Tamano Works, this handy-max bulk carrier boasts an impressive cargo hold capacity exceeding 70,000 cubic meters, making it a valuable addition to the company’s fleet. The 'DEVON BAY' is notable as the 158th vessel in MES's renowned series, commonly referred to in the industry as 'Mitsui's 56.' This series has earned widespread acclaim, leading to over 170 orders from MES, establishing its reputation in the bulk shipping sector.