Coast guards responded to a distressed Taiwanese vessel that collided with a Bangladeshi carrier off the Philippines on Tuesday.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed a ship to bring pumps to the Taiwanese fishing vessel Sheng Feng No. 12 that collided with a 'suspected' Bangladeshi-flagged ship some 77 nautical miles off Candon town, Ilocos Sur on December 12.

The PCG said the carrier had left Changshu, China, and was headed to Muara Berau in Indonesia when the accident occurred.

The Sheng Feng No. 12 sprung a leak as the crash had damaged its bow.

In a statement, the PCG said: 'Taiwan Coast Guard Attaché, Commander Arthur Yang, coordinated the collision with the PCG Command Center, leading to the immediate deployment of BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403) to assist the Taiwanese fishing vessel.

'Commander Yang said SHENG FENG NO. 12 needs portable pumps to draw out seawater as it incurred damages at its bow. At around 10AM, its location was monitored at 11 nautical miles off Vigan City.

'The PCG and Taiwan Coast Guard coordinated with the owner of SHENG FENG NO. 12 to recommend sailing to the nearest port in the Northern Philippines to check the vessel's condition and ensure the safety of its five Indonesian and two Taiwanese crew members.'

The PCG said it was gathering more information on the suspected Bangladeshi carrier.