1973 11 00 SAGA - John Keel - Mystery of the Alien Submarines

Magazine Overview

Title: SAGA
Issue Date: November 1973
Cover Headline: Mystery Of The Alien Submarines

This issue of SAGA, dated November 1973, features a prominent article titled "Mystery Of The Alien Submarines" by John A. Keel. The cover art depicts a sleek, alien-like submarine with glowing lights, hinting at the mysterious and potentially extraterrestrial nature of the subject matter.

The Mystery Of The Alien Submarines

The lead article by John A. Keel explores numerous documented cases of unidentified submarines and strange aerial craft sighted around the world. The Norwegian Defense Minister, Johann Klepp, is quoted stating that a foreign submarine was confirmed in Norwegian waters, based on visual and technical information, but emphasized the need to stick to facts rather than guesswork.

The Norwegian Fjord Incident

A significant event detailed is the 1973 incident in a remote Norwegian fjord where the Norwegian navy, aided by NATO ships and planes, attempted to capture a mysterious submarine. Despite a tight net of warships and the deployment of depth charges, the submarine managed to escape. Eyewitnesses reported unusual phenomena, including "rockets" shooting into the air and a mysterious "helicopter." The incident culminated in a massive electronic failure affecting the entire fleet, rendering radar and sonar useless, and the submarine vanished. Norwegian authorities expressed regret for not being able to identify the craft.

Historical Sightings and Global Patterns

The article presents a history of similar encounters, including a World War II sighting in the North Atlantic where a submarine outran a U.S. destroyer at incredible speed. It notes a tendency for these craft to linger in Arctic waters near Scandinavian countries. Other incidents include:

• Greenland: Fishermen reported seeing a mysterious submarine inland.
• Sweden: Phantom submarines were chased in restricted military areas near Stockholm and off the coast of Gottland.
• Puerto Rico: A U.S. Navy task force tracked an unknown underwater object moving at 150 knots and diving to 27,000 feet.
• Argentina: Naval forces searched for two submarines in the Gulf of San Matias and Nuevo Gulf.
• Australia and New Zealand: A pilot reported a long metallic object, not resembling a normal submarine, in shallow water.
• Brazil: The crew of a cargo ship sighted a luminous submarine object that submerged rapidly.

'Ghostfliers' and Scandinavian Scares

The article also delves into the phenomenon of "ghostfliers" – unidentified aircraft sighted in Scandinavia during the 1930s. These craft, often described as gray or black airplanes with no markings, flew in formations and maneuvered at treetop level, sometimes over restricted military areas. Researchers like Jan-Ove Sundberg and Ake Franzen have reconstructed these events, noting the lack of a plausible explanation from known aviation capabilities of the era.

Characteristics of the Craft

Eyewitness descriptions indicate these underwater craft are larger than conventional submarines, with perfectly smooth surfaces and no visible hatches or equipment. Some have been observed to surface and even rise into the air. The electronic disruptions caused by these craft are also noted as a significant characteristic.

Theories and Speculations

Ivan T. Sanderson, a zoologist and investigator, is cited with a theory that many UFOs are terrestrial and based in the world's oceans. The article speculates about clandestine air forces and navies operating on Earth, possibly with bases in the Arctic or connected underwater tunnel networks in Scandinavian fjords. The possibility of these craft being extraterrestrial is also raised, with some suggesting they are preparing for an invasion.

Official Secrecy and Ufologist Frustration

The article highlights the guarded nature of information regarding these incidents, suggesting that officials are reluctant to admit they lack answers. Ivan Sanderson is quoted expressing frustration with officialdom's fear of admitting ignorance, particularly concerning phenomena they cannot explain or control.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SAGA revolve around unexplained aerial and underwater phenomena, often referred to as UFOs and mystery submarines. The magazine adopts a stance of presenting documented cases and eyewitness accounts, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of advanced, unknown craft operating on or around Earth, potentially with non-terrestrial origins. The editorial tone is investigative and leans towards the sensational, aiming to highlight baffling mysteries that challenge conventional understanding and official explanations. The recurring mention of naval involvement and the secrecy surrounding such incidents suggest a focus on the intersection of military intelligence and unexplained phenomena.