Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has issued a warning to fisherfolk, small vessel operators, and mariners regarding potential rocket debris in Northern Luzon waters, urging them to avoid specific areas on Wednesday. This advisory comes as a precautionary measure due to the anticipated launch of a Long March 7A rocket by the People's Republic of China.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PCG announced on Tuesday that the rocket launch is set to take place at Wenchang, Hainan, China, with the launch window scheduled between 12:08 a.m. and 1:12 a.m. Philippine time on May 27. The PCG emphasized the necessity of steering clear of any suspected rocket debris, citing the presence of potentially hazardous materials.
The identified potential debris drop zones include areas approximately 41 nautical miles from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 62 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan. Additional zones have been marked around 69 nautical miles from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 81 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan. The PCG has advised those at sea to avoid these areas during the launch period and to stay vigilant for any floating debris or unusual objects.
The PCG also urged the public to report any sightings of debris or floating objects to the nearest PCG station or local authorities to ensure proper assessment and management. The Long March 7A is a Chinese medium-lift launch vehicle, introduced in 2020, and is utilized primarily for satellite deployment and space station resupply missions.
