MANASQUAN, N.J. — Reports of low-flying drones over the Atlantic Ocean have prompted curiosity and speculation along the Jersey Shore, with sightings near Manasquan and Point Pleasant Beach occurring in the span of just a few days.
Police dispatch in Manasquan reported the presence of two to three drones hovering over the ocean earlier this week, describing the devices as unusually close to the waterline. The sighting was relayed to neighboring departments, including Asbury Park, as the drones appeared to be moving northward.
Locals first observed the drones near Point Pleasant two days earlier, and they described similar activity just off the coastline. Authorities have not provided an immediate indication of ownership or launch origins.
Some speculation has centered on the possibility that the drones were launched from the ocean, raising questions about their purpose and whether they could be connected to maritime operations. Officials have not released further information or confirmed this theory.
Neither the Manasquan nor Asbury Park police departments have reported any additional sightings or stated whether an investigation is underway.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy says the drones pose no public safety risk but admits he does not know who is operating them, why, where they are coming from, or what their intentions are.