China’s Long March 8A rocket debris may fall within PH waters

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard on Friday warned that debris from China’s Long March 8A rocket may fall within Philippine waters.

In an advisory, the Coast Guard District (CGD) – Palawan advised all mariners, fishing vessels, passenger and cargo vessels to steer clear or exercise caution when traveling within the drop zones on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The Philippine Space Agency confirmed that China is scheduled to launch its rocket from Wenchang, Hainan, China between 9:42 a.m. and 10:34 a.m. (Philippine standard time).

READ: PhilSA confirms China’s Long March 12 rocket launch

The CGD said that parts of the rocket may fall within the following identified areas during the launch period:

• 107 nautical miles (nm) from Patag Island
• 122 nm from Bajo de Masinloc
• 164 nm from El Nido, Palawan
• 167 nm from Busuanga, Palawan
• 122 nm from Puerto Princesa, Palawan
• 42 nm from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
• 53 nm from Pangutaran Island, Sulu
• 42 nm from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan

“Mariners are encouraged to closely monitor official navigational warnings and advisories from the Philippine Coast Guard and other concerned government agencies,” it said.

It further reminded the public to avoid touching, retrieving, or moving suspected rocket debris or any unfamiliar object found at sea or the coast.

Any sighted debris must be reported to the nearest PCG unit or appropriate authorities, it added. /gsg