Coast Guard asks mariners to be on lookout for rocket debris off Fla.

The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:

(CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.) – The Coast Guard is working in close coordination with SpaceX and partner agencies to monitor the Falcon 9 debris field currently located more than 150 miles off the Florida-Georgia coast.

The Coast Guard is cautioning vessels transiting that area and asking the public to report any sightings of debris that may wash ashore.  Currently, no impacts from debris are expected for Florida beaches, and authorities will continue to monitor for any changes to this estimate.

“As with any incident involving spacecraft wreckage, debris should not be handled by members of the public,” said Capt. Jeffrey Dixon, commander Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville.  “These critical pieces of evidence are important in the investigation process and should be reported immediately to SpaceX or the U.S. Coast Guard. “

The SpaceX debris recovery hotline is 1-866-392-0035. 

By Professional Mariner Staff