There's this thing called a "helicopter". I believe the Coast Guard has them....and divers....and rubber boats.
They could have been in the area before the "shootdown" waiting for the "splashdown" or snagged it in mid-air.
Who's in charge of this operation? Who's the Commander and Thief?
Who’s in charge?
Colonel Wilhelm Klink, of course.
Common sense says if your are about to bring down a balloon in a certain area, you would have pre-staged several craft in that area. They are still lying.
You have to realize that it takes extra time to hold sufficient meetings to establish the proper procedures and outline necessary information and timing of the appropriate Press Conferences before such kinetic activity is allowed.
/MEGA Sarc
(At least the authors of this CHARLEY FOXTROT called out "US Military" instead of defaming the Navy or Coasties....already have their hands full with PO'd Air Force types I'd say.)