MANILA, Philippines — The Coast Guard District (CGD) of Palawan warned vessels to steer clear of some coasts in the country on Wednesday, Sept. 23, due to potential debris that may fall during the scheduled rocket launch by China.
The CGD cited the information issued by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSa).
China’s Long March 8A rocket from Wenchang, Hainan is scheduled to conduct its launch between 9:24 p.m. and 10 p.m. (Philippine standard time) on Wednesday.
READ: Fishers warned to avoid ‘drop zones’ of Aug. 4 China rocket launch
It warned that rocket debris may fall within the following identified drop zones:
- 97 nautical miles from Patag Island
- 144 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc
- 190 nautical miles from El Nido, Palawan
- 46 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan,
- 24 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
- 105 nautical miles from pangutaran Island, Sulu
- 117 nautical miles from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan
The CGD advised all mariners, fishing vessels, passenger and cargo vessels, and those in the affected coastal communities to take precautionary measures during the launch period.
It also reminded the public not to touch, move or retrieve any suspected rocket debris or unfamiliar object found at sea or along the shoreline, as it may contain hazardous materials.
All debris or objects found must be reported to the Philippine Coast Guard or appropriate authorities, it added.
“The cooperation of all agencies concerned, local government units, maritime stakeholders, and the public is requested in ensuring the widest dissemination of this navigational warning,” the CGD Palawan said in a statement. /apl
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