But now the word is that Coast Guard members aren't too happy with what the White House said in dismissing their experience. One of the members of the crew is speaking out and refuting what the White House is saying about the drones.
The Coast Guard member spoke exclusively to the NY Post and described what they saw. He said they were looking for drones, but the drones "found us." He said there were possibly as many as 30.
The drones "appeared out of nowhere" at about 9 p.m., and followed the boat for approximately 15 minutes, he said. When the vessel shifted course, so too did the drones.
"I’m terrible with measurements, but [the swarm] was about 80 to 100 feet above us. They had four propellers. Seven feet across. The flashing lights, like you’ve seen. The festive green, red, and white lights."
He said the drones kept pace with the boat at about 20 miles per hour.
The drones then reportedly climbed 100 feet higher, turned toward shore, and went out of sight.
White House NSC spokesperson John Kirby dismissed the drone incidents in general and this particular incident.