PhilSA: Possible Chinese rocket debris off Bajo de Masinloc, Cabra Island

MANILA, Philippines — Possible remnants from the launch of a Chinese rocket may have fallen near Bajo de Masinloc and Cabra Island, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said Thursday. 

In an advisory, PhilSA said that rocket debris was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones located around 43 to 52 nautical miles away from Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales province and 98 nautical miles from Cabra Island in Occidental Mindoro. 

“While not projected to fall on land features or inhabited areas, falling debris poses danger and potential risk to ships, aircraft, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through the drop zone,” the agency said. 

“There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and wash toward nearby coasts,” it added. 

PhilSA advised the public to inform local authorities if suspected debris is sighted and refrain from retrieving or coming in close contact with the materials as these may contain remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel. 

China sent a Long March 7 rocket into space from Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in southern island province of Hainan Wednesday evening to deliver supplies, clothing and food to Chinese astronauts. — Gaea Katreena Cabico