Mysterious drones tailed a Coast Guard vessel off the New Jersey coast, raising alarms about maritime security and the need for stricter UAV regulations.
At a Glance
- Coast Guard members report being shadowed by unidentified drones near Barnegat Light, New Jersey
- Drones described as sophisticated, large, and performing coordinated maneuvers unlike commercial drones
- Incident led to temporary flight restrictions imposed by the FAA over parts of New Jersey and New York
- White House officials downplay the account, suggesting misidentification of commercial or hobbyist drones
- Over 1,000 drone sightings reported in New Jersey since November 18, raising concerns over drone presence in civilian airspace
Coast Guard Encounter with Mysterious Drones
In a startling incident off the coast of New Jersey, Coast Guard members reported being shadowed by unidentified drones, contradicting federal officials’ dismissal of the event. The encounter, which took place near Barnegat Light, has sparked concerns about maritime security and the potential for unauthorized surveillance of military vessels.
According to Coast Guard personnel, the drones appeared around 9 pm and followed their vessel for approximately 15 minutes, mirroring its movements. The unmanned aircraft were described as sophisticated and large, with flashing lights, performing coordinated maneuvers unlike any commercially available drones. Specifically, they were reported to have four propellers, measure about seven feet across, and display red, green, and white flashing lights while flying 80 to 100 feet above the vessel.
Detailed Description of the Encounter
The Coast Guard crew observed that the drones kept pace with their vessel, which was traveling at around 20 knots. After tailing the ship for about 15 minutes, the drones ascended before disappearing towards the shoreline. This behavior, as described by the Coast Guard members, suggests a level of sophistication and coordination that goes beyond typical civilian drone capabilities.
“It’s the implication that’s insulting,” a Coast Guard member said.
The anonymous Coast Guard member expressed frustration at the federal officials’ dismissive response, insisting that these were not ordinary commercial drones and suggesting they might be government-operated. This sentiment highlights the disconnect between the eyewitness accounts and the official narrative being presented to the public.
Official Response and Controversy
The incident has sparked controversy, with White House spokesman John Kirby downplaying the account. Kirby suggested that the drones could have been a mix of commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones, or even misidentified aircraft or stars. This explanation has not sat well with the Coast Guard personnel involved in the incident.
“I don’t care what Kirby or [DHS Head Alejandro] Mayorkas say — they’re full of sh-t,” a Coast Guardsman said.
The strong reaction from Coast Guard members underscores the seriousness with which they view the encounter and their frustration with what they perceive as a lack of acknowledgment from higher authorities. This disagreement between frontline personnel and government officials raises questions about transparency and the handling of potential security threats.
Broader Implications and Concerns
The drone sightings are not isolated to this single incident. Since November 18, over 1,000 drone sightings have been reported in New Jersey, with additional sightings in New York. This proliferation of unidentified drone activity in civilian airspace has raised significant concerns among local officials and security experts.
“We have not identified anything anomalous or any national security or public safety risk over the civilian airspace in New Jersey or other states in the Northeast. The work continues,” White House NSC spokesperson John Kirby said.
Despite reassurances from federal authorities that these drone sightings pose no security threat, local officials, including Representatives Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, have criticized the federal response and demanded a clear explanation for the drone activity. The FAA has responded by banning drone operations over parts of New Jersey until January 17, citing security reasons and threatening “deadly force” for imminent threats.
