US ambassador calls for full investigation into Gemver sinking

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  —  Calling it a “very serious situation,” United States Ambassador Sung Kim said yesterday that the sinking of a Filipino fishing boat by a Chinese vessel near Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea last June 9 should be investigated.

“It appears that it was an accident but I would say it is a very serious situation and know that Philippine officials have called on Chinese authorities to fully investigate the incident,” Kim said at a media roundtable here.

His pronouncement came a day after President Duterte dismissed the incident as a “little maritime accident” and mere collision of boats that should not justify his sending Navy ships to Recto Bank or anywhere in the West Philippine Sea.

But the US ambassador stressed an investigation should determine accountability as well as steps that should be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“We need to find out what exactly what happened and if in fact there was a wrongdoing by the Chinese fishing vessel,” he said.

“I think there should be investigation and there should be full accountability. We need to take measures that we prevent accidents or incidents like that from happening again,” Kim added.

He also said the incident should serve as reminder of the importance of a meaningful Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

“I think the US has continued to support efforts by the region to come up with a meaningful code of conduct. So I hope that that effort will continue,” the ambassador said.

“Also it is an important reminder that there needs to be responsible maritime behavior and activities that are consistent with international laws. Like for example, there is a world-established duty to preserve life at sea, you know that if fellow fishermen are in trouble, I believe it is your responsibility to help save them,” he said.

He said he was thankful there was a Vietnamese fishing vessel in the vicinity that came to the rescue of the Filipinos.

He maintained the US is eager to see Philippine and Chinese officials get to the bottom of the issue.

“And we are also looking at what needs to be done to hold those responsible accountable or responsible. What is more important is to know what needs to be done to prevent incidents like that in the future,” the US diplomat said.

“And I am very pleased that we have a very robust partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including the Coast Guard,” he said.

“I think we have done quite a bit of activities with the AFP, including the Coast Guard and I think as you build capacities, agencies will be able to deal with such situations more effectively. The US works to protect international rights,” the ambassador said.