Russian Navy Tug Rescues Filipino Sailor After 48 Hours Adrift In South China Sea

A rescue tug of the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet has rescued a Filipino sailor who spent nearly two days adrift in the southern part of the South China Sea after falling overboard from a tanker.

The rescue took place on January 26, 2026, when the salvage tug Alatau was sailing to Vladivostok on a scheduled transit.

During a routine watch, the crew spotted an object on the surface of the water and later confirmed it was a person in a severely weakened condition.

According to information released by the Russian Pacific Fleet, the rescued man is a Filipino national and a crew member of the tanker S. Grace.

He told the rescuers that he accidentally fell into the sea while working on deck. He is believed to have remained in the water for around 48 hours before being found.

Fleet officials said the warm tropical waters of the South China Sea helped the sailor survive, but the risks of dehydration and hypothermia remained serious.

The crew of Alatau followed standard rescue procedures, approaching the man from the leeward side, securing him with a lifebuoy and safety line, and lifting him aboard using the tug’s cargo boom.

Once on board, the ship’s medical team provided first aid, including warming measures, fluid replenishment and checks for hypothermia.

Officials said the sailor’s condition is now satisfactory and that hospital treatment is not required.

The Pacific Fleet stated that the Filipino seafarer will remain on board Alatau until the vessel reaches Vladivostok. From there, assistance will be provided to help him return to his home country.

The Alatau is a Project 1452 Ingul-class rescue sea tug commissioned in December 1983.

The vessel has a standard displacement of 3,075 tonnes and a full displacement of 4,072 tonnes, with a length of 92.6 metres and a top speed of 18.98 knots.

It is designed for long-range rescue and salvage operations, has an endurance of up to 60 days, and is operated by a crew of 71.

References: TASS, portnews

Source: Maritime Shipping News