1970 11 00 Male - John Keel - Ocean Based UFOs Ring the US

Magazine Overview

This issue of the magazine, identified by page number 26 and a cover date implied by the content to be around June 1970, focuses on the startling proposition that UFOs are not solely aerial phenomena but are also based in or interact significantly with the world's oceans. The cover boldly proclaims 'NEW PROOF—INDISPUTABLE SIGHTINGS' and 'OCEAN-BASED UFO's RING THE U.S.', authored by John A. Keel.

Thor's Crew Spots a UFO In Sky Over the Atlantic

The lead story details an incident on June 11, 1970, when the crew of Thor Heyerdahl's papyrus boat Ra 2, attempting to cross the Atlantic, sighted an eerie luminous sphere. Navigator Norman Baker reported the object for several minutes before it vanished in a bright orange flash. The North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) at Colorado Springs, Colorado, initially suggested it might be a meteor, but the article notes Heyerdahl's prior UFO sightings and the unlikelihood of experienced sailors mistaking a natural object for something unusual.

Ocean-Based UFOs and Mystery Submarines

The article delves into numerous reports of UFOs surfacing from or disappearing into the ocean, leading to speculation about underwater bases. It mentions the legend of 'Lost Atlantis' as a possible explanation for advanced underwater cities. Historical accounts are presented, starting with Christopher Columbus's log from October 11, 1492, describing a strange light following a 'falling leaf' motion. The rise in traffic between Europe and North America in the 19th century coincided with a dramatic increase in UFO sightings, some accompanied by unusual physical effects on witnesses.

Specific cases include the sighting of a brilliant flying object off the coast of Maine in 1887, which temporarily blinded a ship's captain, and a report from Captain Swart in 1887 describing two spheres, one black and one illuminated, with the latter falling into the water and causing ice formation on his ship.

The phenomenon of 'mystery submarines' is also explored, with reports of unidentified craft operating in shallow waters and eluding naval searches by multiple nations. Examples include a submarine sighted north of Stockholm in 1969 that disappeared despite extensive military operations, and the trawler Silvero colliding with an unknown underwater object near Halsingland.

The Bermuda Triangle and Its Mysteries

A significant portion of the article focuses on the Bermuda Triangle, described as an oval-shaped region encompassing thousands of square miles from Bermuda to Florida. This area has become known for the mysterious disappearance of ships and airplanes, with no trace ever found. The article notes that in several instances, missing ships were later found intact but without their crews. The case of John Crowhurst's sailboat, found abandoned in the 'Triangle' in 1969, is discussed, along with the bizarre contents of his diary suggesting he did not attempt to circumnavigate the globe as claimed.

UFO Routes and Ancient Connections

Ufologists are reportedly becoming aware of specific 'flying saucer' routes that objects seem to follow consistently. One such route originates in the Arctic, loops down over Spitsbergen and Greenland, and into the Bermuda Triangle. The article claims that historical records, including ancient Chinese texts referring to 'dragon routes,' indicate that these paths have been known for thousands of years and that areas along these routes were considered valuable.

Scandinavian Sightings and Navy Involvement

The Scandinavian countries are also noted for numerous UFO reports, including sightings of 'gigantic submarines' and 'huge unmarked airplanes.' An account from the Russian ship Izhevsk in 1967 describes a sphere-like object that moved rapidly and then stopped, displaying bright rainbow colors before becoming enveloped in a white shroud.

The article concludes by questioning the popular belief that UFOs represent friendly visitors. It suggests that the phenomenon is environmental and largely ocean-based, posing the question of whether humanity is dealing with a 'phantom navy from some secret underwater world.' This leads to a discussion of the U.S. Navy's significant investment in UFO research, reportedly spending millions on projects to search the Bermuda Triangle and developing advanced submarines like the NR-1, ostensibly for exploring commercial and military possibilities of the ocean floor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the pervasive presence of UFOs in and around oceans, the mystery surrounding unidentified underwater craft, and the potential for these phenomena to be linked to ancient legends or unknown entities. The editorial stance is one of presenting compelling evidence and raising critical questions about the nature and origin of UFOs, suggesting a paradigm shift from aerial to oceanic origins and challenging conventional explanations. The article implies that much of the focus on UFOs has been in the wrong direction, overlooking the vast mysteries of the ocean.