Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 18) — Members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and local fishermen successfully retrieved a piece of what is suspected to be rocket debris near Subic, Zambales.
In its Facebook page, the PCG said it immediately sent a team to investigate a report that a white, cylindrical object could be seen floating in waters some 55 nautical miles from Subic. It said it was radioed in by David Gervasio, the captain of a local fishing vessel.
“The recovered metal and plastic debris measures two meters long and four meters wide and is believed to be from a Long March 5b Rocket that was launched by China last 31 October 2022 from Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan Province,” the PCG post said.
Last month, debris was also found in waters off two Mimaropa provinces. The Philippine Space Agency said they were likely from a Chinese rocket as well.
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“Coastal barangays and local fisherfolk are reminded that floating debris at sea are notable navigational hazards that may endanger the safety of vessels and crew,” said the PCG. “As such, the PCG remains alert and ready to assist in identifying and recovering objects at sea to ensure the safety of vessels and Filipino fisherfolk plying waters within the Philippine maritime jurisdiction.”
