A Chinese frigate has run aground while patrolling near a shoal in the disputed Spratly Islands chain in the South China Sea, the Ministry of National Defence confirmed yesterday.
The ministry said in a brief statement that the navy frigate had 'accidentally run aground during its routine patrol mission' around Half Moon Shoal - known as Banyue Shoal in Chinese - on Wednesday night.
'There is no report of casualties or injury, and the navy is making rescue efforts,' the statement said. It did not provide further details, but Philippine defence officials said the frigate bore the number 560 - suggesting it is the Jianghu class frigate Dongguan of the People's Liberation Army's South Sea Fleet.
'We have dispatched our own assets from the Western Command to investigate,' Philippine Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told the Philippine Star.
Its report, quoting sources in Manila, said the accident occurred several days ago and there was no sign yet that the Chinese warship was being salvaged.
Philippine Brigadier General Elmer Amon said the shoal was located within Philippine territorial waters.
'We have to hear from them [China] what happened. If it is in distress, we're always ready to provide any assistance,' he told Associated Press.