PCG rescues fishers stranded in Chinese rocket drop zone off Scarborough

Fishing boat FB Cassandra is seen stranded in Scarborough Shoal on July 17, 2025. — Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard

MANILA, Philippines — Several fisherfolk, who were stranded in a part of the West Philippine Sea where debris from Chinese rocket are expected to fall, were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The 17 crew of fishing vessel FB Cassandra were rescued approximately 59 nautical miles northeast of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal on Thursday, according to Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea.

Tarriela said BRP Teresa Magbanua personnel, who were patrolling the area, responded to the scene following a report of the vessel’s distress “due to a damaged propeller caused by an encounter with a floating log.”

“The rescue operation is especially urgent because FB Cassandra became stranded within the expected drop zone for China’s rocket launch test,” Tarriela said in a statement on Friday.

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The dropping of debris was scheduled between July 15 and 17.

“Aware of the potential threat, the PCG quickly took action to tow the vessel to safety,” he said. /das