Fisherfolk, boat operators, and coastal communities in Cagayan, Philippines, were urged to stay clear of two designated sea areas on Monday night, August 10, as China prepared to launch a Long March 7A rocket from Hainan.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it had ordered its units to enforce precautionary measures ahead of the scheduled launch, which was set within a window of 7:54pm to 9:16pm.
According to the Coast Guard District North Eastern Luzon (CGDNELZN), the rocket is expected to lift off from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan, China.
Authorities identified two possible drop zones near Cagayan where rocket components could potentially fall following the launch.
The first area is located about 62 nautical miles from Dalupiri Island in Calayan, while the second is approximately 71 nautical miles from Santa Ana.
Caution for civilians
The PCG said navigational warnings had been issued and temporary restrictions imposed in the affected waters to prevent fishing vessels, commercial boats, and other sea users from entering the areas during the launch period.
Coastal residents were likewise advised to exercise caution should they spot objects believed to be parts of the rocket.
The PCG specifically warned the public against touching or retrieving suspected rocket debris found in the sea or along the shoreline.
Instead, anyone who spots possible debris was instructed to immediately notify the nearest PCG station so authorities can assess and handle the material safely.
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More rockets from China
Monday night’s launch was set to be the fourth Chinese rocket launch in less than three weeks to prompt warnings over possible debris falling within Philippine waters.
The PCG issued a similar advisory just days earlier, urging fishermen and other maritime stakeholders to avoid a portion of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Cagayan following China’s launch of the Jielong-3 rocket on August 5.
On August 6, the PCG reported recovering suspected rocket debris from waters off Calayan, Cagayan.
The agency had also placed mariners on alert after China launched a Long March 6A rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province on July 30, warning fishermen and other sea users to steer clear of affected areas.
Last July 22, the PCG issued another maritime warning for waters off Northern Luzon following the launch of China’s Yinli-1 (Y4) rocket.
The repeated advisories have highlighted the need for Philippine maritime authorities and coastal communities to remain vigilant during Chinese rocket launches, particularly when projected debris zones extend into or near Philippine waters.
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Wendellyn Mateo 
Maybelene Marcelino