PhilSA warns of 'potential risks' from China's rocket debris in WPS

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 28) — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on Wednesday warned of «potential risks» to ships, fishing boats, and other vessels that will pass through China's rocket debris in the West Philippine Sea.

In an advisory, PhilSA said the Long March 3B was launched on Dec. 26 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, China around 11:26 a.m. (Philippine time).

The debris were projected to have fallen 68 nautical miles (NM) away from Rozul Reef and 116 NM away from Ayungin Shoal.

«There is still the possibility that the remaining rocket debris may float around the area and may wash toward the nearby coasts in the future,» the advisory read.

PhilSA also warned against retrieving the materials, which may contain «remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.»

It advised the public to contact local authorities if they see suspected debris.

Earlier this year, PhilSA also cautioned the public against unburned rocket debris from China, which was seen to fall in the northern part of the country.