BRP Teresa Magbanua Crew Collects Rainwater and Aircon Water to Survive
For weeks, BRP Teresa Magbanua crew had no choice but to collect rainwater and water from the ship’s air conditioning system to survive.
Their water supply was severely cut off after Chinese forces in the West Philippine Sea aggressively blocked resupply missions to the vessel. Stranded on duty at Escoda Shoal for months, the 60-strong crew faced extreme hardships due to a lack of food and drinking water.
The situation worsened when the ship’s desalination equipment, which converts seawater into drinkable water, broke down. With no other sources, the crew resorted to drinking condensed water from the air conditioning unit and collecting rainwater.
The meals were reduced to a simple porridge, seasoned only with salt and pepper, as their food supplies ran out. This lasted for several weeks, putting a strain on the health of the crew.
As the shortage dragged on, the effects of hunger and dehydration began to take a toll. Three crew members became severely dehydrated and had to be evacuated. Others suffered from illnesses such as gastroenteritis and gout, with some showing signs of weakness and dizziness.
In late August, a resupply mission managed to airdrop some food and water, but it was not enough to sustain the entire crew. Compounding the issue, on August 31, the ship was deliberately rammed by a Chinese vessel, causing damage near the engine room and further put the crew’s safety at risk.
On Sunday (September 15, 2024), after months of hardship, the BRP Teresa Magbanua returned to its homeport in Puerto Princesa. The crew, exhausted and in need of medical attention, were praised by the Philippine Coast Guard for their resilience and for successfully completing their mission despite the overwhelming challenges they faced.
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