PCG warns mariners of possible Chinese rocket debris off Northern Luzon
At A Glance
- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) advised seafarers and fishermen to avoid a portion of the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Northern Luzon during China's scheduled Long March 6A rocket launch on July 30.
- The possible debris drop zone is located about 83 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island, 88 nautical miles from Babuyan Island, and 104 nautical miles from Burgos, Ilocos Norte.
- The PCG urged the public not to approach or retrieve suspected rocket debris and to immediately report any sightings to the nearest Coast Guard unit.
A visible condensation trail is observed in the sky by residents in eastern Palawan on Aug. 4, 2025 after a series of loud explosions. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) says these are connected to the rocket launch made by China. (Photo courtesy of PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) advised seafarers and fishermen to steer clear of a portion of the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Northern Luzon due to the possible fall of debris from a Chinese rocket launch scheduled on Thursday, July 30.
The advisory covers the planned launch of the People's Republic of China's Long March 6A rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province between 8:54 a.m. and 9:19 a.m., Philippine time.
According to the Coast Guard District North Eastern Luzon (CGDNELZN), parts of the rocket may fall within a designated drop zone inside the country’s EEZ.
The identified areas are about 83 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island in Cagayan, 88 nautical miles from Babuyan Island, and 104 nautical miles from Burgos, Ilocos Norte.
“The PCG urges all vessel operators and fishermen to avoid the identified area during the launch window and exercise extreme caution while navigating nearby waters,” the CGDNELZN said.
The PCG also reminded the public not to approach or retrieve any suspected rocket debris should it be found at sea.
“The public is advised not to approach or retrieve any suspected rocket debris. Any sighting of suspicious objects should be immediately reported to the nearest Coast Guard unit,” the advisory stated.
The latest notice came a week after the PCG issued a similar advisory for another Chinese rocket launch as the agency continues to monitor activities that may affect the safety of navigation in Philippine waters.