Dozens of drones trailed a US Coast Guard vessel off New Jersey: US lawmaker
The U.S. Coast Guard recently reported that one of its vessels was followed by numerous drones off the coast of New Jersey, according to Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. Smith shared this information during an appearance on “The Story with Martha MacCallum” where he discussed the concerning incident.
According to Smith, he spent the previous night on the beach in Ocean County, where he had a conversation with a U.S. Coast Guard commanding officer stationed in Barnegat Light. During their conversation, the Coast Guard commander revealed that the night before, one of their 47-foot boats was closely trailed by more than a dozen drones. Smith expressed his alarm at this incident, calling it suspicious and provocative. He raised the possibility that the drones could be operated by a foreign power such as Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, or a Middle Eastern entity.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the presence of multiple low-altitude aircraft near one of their vessels close to Island Beach State Park in New Jersey. While there were no immediate threats or disruptions to operations, the Coast Guard is collaborating with the FBI and state agencies to determine the type, origin, and intent of these aircraft. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to local authorities.
Reports of large drones flying over various parts of New Jersey have been on the rise in recent weeks, including sightings near President-elect Trump’s Bedminster golf course and military research sites. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., suggested that the mystery drones could be originating from an Iranian “mother ship” located off the U.S. East Coast. He indicated that Iran may have made a deal with China to obtain drones, mother ships, and technology.
Despite these claims, Deputy Pentagon press secretary Sabrina Singh stated that there is no evidence linking the mysterious drones to a foreign adversary. U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is aware of the unauthorized drone flights near military installations in New Jersey but has not been requested to provide assistance. Naval Weapons Station Earle confirmed at least one instance of an unidentified drone entering its airspace.
In response to the drone activity, naval station personnel assured that they are actively monitoring the situation and working with neighboring communities and law enforcement partners. While concerns remain about the origin and intent of these drones, the military installations maintain a state of alertness.
As the investigation into the drone activity continues, the public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. The safety and security of federal assets and the surrounding areas are of utmost importance in addressing potential risks. Stay informed and alert as authorities work to uncover the truth behind these mysterious drone sightings.
