Tensions are running high in Barnegat Light, New Jersey, where U.S. Coast Guardsmen are outraged after federal officials downplayed their report of a mysterious drone swarm trailing their rescue vessel earlier this month.
“It’s insulting,” said one anonymous Coast Guardsman. “They’re acting like we’re making this up, but the nonsense is coming from D.C.”
Mysterious Swarm Stalks Coast Guard Vessel
The incident occurred as a 47-foot rescue vessel patrolled the Atlantic Ocean, reportedly spotting 12 to 30 drones around 9 p.m. The drones, described as having four propellers, measuring seven feet across, and flashing red, green, and white lights, followed the vessel for 15 minutes, mimicking its course changes and keeping pace at about 20 knots.
The drones eventually climbed higher and veered toward the shoreline before disappearing. “These weren’t hobby drones or commercial aircraft. We know the difference,” the Guardsman insisted.
Federal Response Sparks Backlash
White House spokesman John Kirby dismissed the Coast Guard’s account, suggesting the sightings could be a mix of commercial drones, law enforcement drones, and even misidentified stars or incoming aircraft.
“We’ve identified no anomalous activity or national security threats,” Kirby told reporters.
However, the explanation has failed to satisfy those on the ground. “They weren’t drones you can buy at the store. These were government drones,” the Guardsman countered, adding that if the drones had engaged aggressively, “we would’ve fired back.”
Drone Sightings Surge in the Northeast
Since November 18, over 1,000 drone sightings have been reported in New Jersey, with dozens more in New York’s airspace. Federal authorities maintain that the activity poses no threat, but local officials, including Reps. Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, have criticized the lack of transparency and concrete explanations.
“This isn’t just about spotting drones—it’s about trust and accountability,” said one local official.
As drone activity continues to escalate, the mystery surrounding their presence has left both federal and local authorities searching for answers, while Coast Guardsmen demand acknowledgment of what they witnessed firsthand.
