SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – A U.S. Customs and Border Protection surveillance blimp was found tangled in power lines near Quinlan, Texas, after breaking free from its tether in South Padre Island and drifting nearly 600 miles uncontrolled.
The unmanned craft, known as Argos, detached from its mooring site on Monday, setting off a journey from the southern tip of Texas to the northeastern region of the state. The 200-foot-long aerostat, weighing as much as a small car, caused concern as it floated freely across multiple counties.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not confirmed whether the blimp was being actively tracked or what potential dangers it may have posed to air traffic and communities along its path.
No injuries were reported when the blimp crash-landed in North Texas. Similarly, there were no reports of injuries when Argos initially broke loose, snapping its tether and disrupting power on South Padre Island. Authorities reported damage to at least two recreational vehicles as the blimp floated away, alarming campers and SpaceX enthusiasts at Isla Blanca Park.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into how the blimp managed to escape and what its uncontrolled flight may have impacted.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more details emerge.