Suspected debris from a Chinese rocket was recovered near Subic in Zambales, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Sunday, Dec. 18.
In a statement, the PCG said its Zambales Station personnel assisted in the retrieval of the debris following reports from Filipino Akiyo fishing boat captain David Gervacio that a white cylindrical shaped object was floating approximately 55 nautical miles west of Subic.
The said metal and plastic debris is two meters long and four meters wide.
The Coast Guard believes that the debris is part of the Long March 5B rocket that was launched by China last Oct. 31.
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSa) earlier warned the public to look out for the possible falling of debris from the Chinese Long March within two zones in the country: Bajo de Masinloc, Zambales and Busuanga, Palawan.
Last Nov. 9, a rocket debris with China’s flag was also recovered in the vicinity waters of Calintaan in Occidental Mindoro.
PCG said Gervacio and his crew also found a similar floating object approximately 38 nautical miles southwest of Bajo de Masinloc on Nov. 16.
However, they were unable to retrieve it due to the “size and submerged status.”
“The PCG continuously reminds coastal barangays and local fishermen that floating debris at sea are navigational hazards and may endanger the safety of vessels and its crew,” it said.
The Coast Guard assured that its personnel will stay on full alert and be ready to assist in “identifying and recovering objects at sea to ensure maritime safety within the country's vicinity waters.”
