Kingston, SA: Iron Duke freighter UFO photo hoax
Steward Walter Jacobs claimed to photograph an orange object near Margaret Brock Lighthouse, but it was a hoax caused by moon reflection on lens. He admitted seeing nothing at the time, exploiting the developed print for publicity.
Background
Witnesses and Observation
Aboard the cargo ship Iron Duke, steward Walter Jacobs reported a bright orange object with a dent on top and a knob below at 22:00, as the ship approached the Margaret Brock lighthouse near Kingston, South Australia. He was said to have taken a photograph.
Evidence and Investigation
The image showed the object only after development, contradicting his account. It was a lens reflection of the moon. Jacobs had seen nothing directly, but had telegrams sent to newspapers. No genuine sighting took place.
Significance
The case was exposed as a clear hoax through Keith Basterfield's analyses. Sources confirm the deception via reflection and media manipulation. It is instructive for UFO research in distinguishing fakes.