U.S. Navy releases first photos of Chinese balloon recovery

Balloon was an estimated 60 meters tall and was carrying long sensor package

U.S. Navy sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 recover a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that was downed off the coast of Myrtle Beach, U.S. on Feb. 5. (U.S. Fleet Forces/U.S. Navy via Reuters)

February 8, 2023 05:23 JST

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Using underwater drones, warships and inflatable vessels, the Navy is carrying out an extensive operation to gather all of the pieces of the massive Chinese spy balloon a U.S. fighter jet shot down off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday.

In the newest images released by the Navy on Tuesday, sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 are seen leaning over a rigid hull inflatable boat and pulling in broad swaths of the balloon's white outer fabric and shell structure.