Atlantic SW Bermuda: Green light paces Navy destroyer
At 2:40 a.m. on April 23, 1976, a US Navy destroyer southwest of Bermuda encountered a green light that descended low, paced the ship through maneuvers, circled it, and submerged into the ocean. The captain ordered silence about the event the next day.
Background
Incident
At 2:40 on April 23, 1976, a first lieutenant on communications watch aboard a US Navy destroyer in the Atlantic southwest of Bermuda noticed a green light ahead. It appeared through light mist at about three miles distance and 10 degrees above the horizon. Radar showed no return, and sonar picked up no engine noise.
Sighting and Maneuvers
The crew saw the light descend to 30–40 feet above the water and approach the ship. The officer ordered a turn to starboard; the object grew larger, turned to port, and kept pace. Both made further turns, with the object only 50–60 feet away. A strong blip suddenly appeared on the radar screen. After returning to the original course, the light took up position off the port bow. When the captain appeared, it circled the ship twice, glowed a brighter green, tilted, and submerged.
Aftermath
The following day the captain forbade any discussion of the incident. Source: report by Donald R. Todd in the APRO Bulletin (May 1978). This military encounter is notable for the unusual manoeuvring and the radar and sonar effects.