Philippines slams sinking of boat by suspected China vessel
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Philippine defense secretary says an anchored Filipino fishing boat has sunk in the disputed South China Sea after being hit by a suspected Chinese vessel which then abandoned the 22 Filipino crewmen.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday called for an investigation of the June 9 sinking at Reed Bank and asked that diplomatic steps be taken to prevent a repeat of the incident. It's a delicate development in the long-contested waters.
The Philippine coast guard says it is checking whether Chinese fishermen were involved or those from other neighboring countries and if the collision was intentional.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Lorenzana says the 22 Filipino crewmen of the sunken F/B Gimver 1 were rescued by a Vietnamese vessel.