Incredible: SpaceX Rocket Spotted Off Christmas Island Coast

A SpaceX rocket touched down in the Indian Ocean after a test flight from Texas on 24 July, only to be unexpectedly spotted off the coast of Christmas Island.

Local tourism chair David Watchorn told the BBC that he initially mistook the object for a ship before realizing it was a rocket being towed.

The 52‑metre long vehicle has drawn crowds from the island’s residents, some even sneaking out of work to catch sight of it, while others prepare boats to get a closer look at the debris.

"It’s really incredible to think about what it’s been through," Watchorn remarked, highlighting the local enthusiasm for this unexpected celestial visitor.

The sighting has created a buzz among locals, with many fascinated by the number of hours the rocket survived after a turbulent descent, offering a unique snapshot of the durability of space technology in remote waters.