UPDATE (10/5): A federal agency is keeping an eye on activity at South Padre Island from up above. 

Many people questioned the purpose of a small observation airship hovering in the sky on Thursday. 

After requesting further information, we learned the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's aerostat is equipped with a surveillance system. 

CBP Officer Rod Kise says the blimp is helping law enforcement combat smuggling, drug trafficking, immigration and illegal fishing. 

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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Beachgoers and residents in South Padre Island are questioning a blimp seen in the sky above them.

The blimp departs from the Coast Guard grounds.

“I have gotten some calls from residents of the park and from South Padre Island asking me, 'What is that?'” says Isla Blanca Park Director Joe Vega.

KRGV’s Sierra Pizarro reached out to both Border Patrol and the Coast Guard in regards to the blimp.

A representative with the Coast Guard says they’re still gathering information to send to us.

Watch the video above for the full story.