SOUTH CHINA SEA—Three Filipino fishermen were rescued on January 1, 2026, at approximately 12:45 p.m., by the crew aboard the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) while transiting the South China Sea. Upon spotting the distressed vessel, watch standers immediately notified the bridge, and the ship launched a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to recover the fishermen. The three Filipino fishermen, were brought aboard Cesar Chavez and evaluated by the ship’s medical staff. All three were found to be in good health. Philippine authorities were immediately notified. READ: Critics blast China’s WPS ‘propaganda’ stunt praised by ‘DDS’ […]... Keep on reading: US Navy rescues 3 Filipino fishermen off WPS on New Year's day