South Atlantic: Glow near recovery vessel
US Air Force vessel Coastal Crusader near Ascension Island observed a rotating bright glow on water surface during missile data recovery. Seen by boat crew and aircraft pilots; Blue Book attributed it to a flare despite no flares released.
Background
Incident
On June 25, 1960 at 23:34, the US Air Force ship Coastal Crusader was near Ascension Island in the South Atlantic, engaged in recovering a floating data capsule from a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The crew of a small boat spotted a steady bright glow that appeared to be rotating, about 300 feet away on the surface. It remained visible for 10 seconds.
Witnesses
The boat crew saw the phenomenon directly. The pilot and co-pilot of one of two aircraft circling the operation confirmed the sighting as well.
Explanation and Evidence
Project Blue Book attributed it to a flare, although neither aircraft had dropped any. No further physical evidence exists, but there were multiple independent witness accounts.
Significance
This military incident points to unusual maritime sightings during sensitive operations and stands at odds with the official explanation.