The Singapore-flagged bulk carrier Devon Bay sank near Scarborough Shoal on 23 January, leaving two crew members dead and four missing, with authorities suspecting that nickel ore liquefaction caused the vessel to capsize.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said initial accounts from crew members indicated that excessive moisture in the ship’s 55,000-ton cargo of nickel ore may have caused the cargo to shift suddenly to the port side.
This loss of balance occurred amid rough sea conditions and large waves, leading to the vessel’s capsizing.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said these findings were based on preliminary crew statements and that the investigation was still ongoing with no final conclusions yet.
The Devon Bay, owned by K Line Pte Ltd, transmitted a distress signal late on 22 January while sailing from the Philippines to China.
The vessel had 21 Filipino officers and crew members on board. A joint rescue
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