PCG issues maritime restrictions as China plans rocket launch

TUGUEGARAO CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District North Eastern Luzon has issued temporary maritime restrictions for the safety of seafarers and travelers on Wednesday, July 29, as China announced plans to launch its Long March 6A rocket on Thursday between 8:54 and 9:19 a.m.

The identified drop zones (IDZs), or estimated areas where debris may fall from the Long March 6A launch at the Taiyuan Launch Satellite Center in Xinzhou, Shanxi Province, are estimated to be 83 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island in Cagayan, 104 nautical miles (NM) from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 88 NM from Babuyan Island, Cagayan, all within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.

READ: PhilSA confirms China rocket launch; warns of debris in drop zones

Small craft operators and fishermen have been advised to avoid the designated drop zones, maintain a safe distance from any possible debris, and exercise caution.

They must immediately report any sightings of “floating objects or suspicious findings” to the nearest Coast Guard unit, the PCG said in its advisory to marine travelers.

The Philippine Space Authority (PhilSA) has noted that the risk of untoward incidents and damage from falling rocket debris within Philippine territory is relatively low.

“However, out of an abundance of caution, PhilSA recommends actions related to marine access during the window [period of rocket launch on July 30],” said Dr. Gay Jane Perez, presidential adviser on space matters. /mcm