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Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

The remains are at about 50' depth, easy diving for search & retrieval. I think the bottom for miles off of the Carolina coasts may be sand, or mostly sand, making a search even easier.

The military made a point of ensuring it was shot down while still in U.S. airspace, which extends 12 miles offshore per someone on MSNBC this afternoon. I just played around on google earth and confirmed that, at each point off of SC that I chose to measure from 50'-60' depth were well within the 12-mile limit.

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Mim Eisenberg (NYer now in GA)'s avatar

Interesting. I wonder why no exploration is underway.

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Judith Swink (CA)'s avatar

Why do you assume nothing is underway? I've no doubt the relevant resources were standing by to go into action as soon as the balloon was shot down and the area cleared as safe to enter.

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Mim Eisenberg (NYer now in GA)'s avatar

You're right, Judith. That was a wrong assumption. In fact, the debris lies only 47 feet down, and recovery efforts are underway.

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/3844123-us-works-to-recover-debris-intel-from-downed-chinese-spy-balloon/

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