Small craft, fisherfolk told to avoid drop zones of debris from China's Long March 7A

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Sunday issued temporary maritime restrictions ahead of China’s launch of the Long March 7A rocket from Wenchang, Hainan on Wednesday, December 31.

In an advisory, the PCG’s Coast Guard District Northeastern Luzon (CGDNELZN) advised small craft and fishermen to avoid the possible drop zones in extreme Northern Luzon where rocket debris may fall.

Drop zone 1 is approximately 45 nautical miles (NM) away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte and 67 NM away from Dalupiri Island, Cagayan.

Drop zone 2 is 64 NM away from Santa Ana, Cagayan and 76 N M away from Camiguin Norte.

The People’s Republic of China will launch the Long March 7A from Wenchang, Hainan sometime between 6:32 a.m. and 7:14 a.m. on December 31.

“Small craft and fishermen are urged to avoid the drop zones, keep clear of any debris, and report any sightings immediately,” the CGDNELZN said.

“Do not approach or attempt to retrieve any debris; report floating objects or suspicious findings to Coast Guard personnel or local authorities immediately,” it added.

In a memorandum addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dated December 27 on the Long March 7A rocket launch, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said the “risk of untoward incidents and damage from falling rocket debris within Philippine territory is relatively low.”

Last Friday, the PhilSA warned that debris from China’s Long March 8A rocket launch that day may have fallen in Philippine waters. — JMA, GMA Integrated News