Pentagon Says Balloon Found Off Alaska Coast Had Been in ‘Ocean for Well Over a Year’

The origin of the balloon remains unknown.

A U.S. Air Force pilot looked down at the suspected Chinese surveillance balloon as it hovered over the Central Continental United States February 3, 2023. Recovery efforts began shortly after the balloon was downed. Photo courtesy of the Department of Defense via Getty Images

An initial inspection of balloon debris found off the coast of Alaska by fishermen indicated that it had been in the ocean “for well over a year,” according to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

Fishermen came across the debris on March 1. Upon finding the suspicious object, they alerted law enforcement, providing photos that raised concern among local officials, leading them to involve the FBI.