The search and rescue operation for the missing crew of the bulk carrier Devon Bay formally concluded Sunday night, vessel operator K Line Pte Ltd confirmed, bringing a somber close to a multinational effort that stretched more than a week.

The Singapore-flagged ship sank on January 22 near Scarborough Shoal while carrying 55,000 tonnes of nickel ore from the Philippines to Yangjiang, China.

“We are deeply grateful to the Philippines and China Coast Guards, the coordinating rescue centres, and all vessels and crew that have assisted — including vessels from the Group’s fleet — for their sustained, professional, and tireless efforts,” K Line said in a statement.

Of the 21 Filipino seafarers aboard, 17 were rescued during joint operations involving the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard. Two later died from their injuries, while four crew members remain missing.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of our deceased crew members, and our thoughts remain with the families of the crew members who remain unaccounted for,” the company said.

Initial accounts from surviving crew point to cargo liquefaction as a likely factor. Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said early indications suggest excessive moisture in the nickel ore cargo caused a sudden shift to port, destabilizing the vessel amid heavy seas.

“The moisture content of the cargo caused the shifting of the weight to the left side of the ship or the port side… and the weather was not good. There were big waves,” Gavan said, stressing that the findings remain preliminary.

Nickel ore is classified as a high-risk Group A cargo under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code due to its susceptibility to liquefaction, a phenomenon in which solid bulk cargo can abruptly behave like liquid when moisture limits are exceeded.

Dry bulk industry group INTERCARGO has long warned of the dangers, previously describing nickel ore as “the world’s most dangerous cargo.” Between 2010 and 2011, liquefaction incidents involving nickel ore were linked to multiple vessel losses and dozens of seafarer deaths.

The sinking occurred in one of Asia’s most geopolitically sensitive waters. Despite competing territorial claims and long-running tensions, Chinese and Philippine authorities coordinated closely throughout the rescue effort.

K Line said it will continue working with authorities and the ship manager to support affected crew members and their families, while requesting privacy for those impacted by the tragedy.

Singapore’s flag state authority, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, has opened a formal investigation into the loss. K Line said it is cooperating fully but will not comment publicly on the cause while inquiries remain underway.

The incident once again underscores unresolved questions over whether existing safeguards are sufficient to manage the exceptional risks associated with transporting nickel ore — even after years of regulatory reforms and repeated industry warnings.

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