The FBI could soon take possession of what could be a spy balloon found off the Alaskan coast by a fishing vessel. While it is not confirmed if the object is indeed a spy balloon, officials deemed it similar enough to warrant an investigation.
Commercial fishermen off the coast of Alaska discovered an unknown object that raised concerns, prompting them to take photos and contact law enforcement. Upon reviewing the images, FBI officials decided to inspect the object themselves due to its resemblance to a foreign government-operated surveillance balloon.
The FBI is scheduled to meet the fishing vessel when it arrives at port over the weekend to take possession of the object. It will then be transported to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia, for analysis, similar to previous incidents involving suspicious balloons.
Although the exact nature of the object remains unclear, there is a possibility that it could be another surveillance balloon operated by a foreign government. This concern stems from a previous incident involving a Chinese surveillance balloon that drifted off course and crossed the continental US airspace before being shot down in the Atlantic Ocean, entering US territory through Alaskan airspace.
Following the Chinese balloon event, the US enhanced its radar systems to better detect objects traveling at certain altitudes and speeds. These upgraded systems have enabled the military to identify more unidentified objects in US airspace, some of which were not surveillance balloons.
In the weeks after the Chinese balloon incident, there were three additional shootdowns of unidentified high-altitude objects. Recently, NORAD dispatched fighter jets to intercept and examine a small balloon floating over the southwest, determining it to be a hobby balloon with no threat.
The mystery object discovered by the fishermen is now en route to port on a fishing boat, awaiting further investigation by the FBI. As the situation unfolds, authorities will continue to monitor the situation to determine the true nature of this intriguing catch of the day.
