The 1973 Pascagoula Abduction: Untold Evidence & New Witnesses
On a cool Mississippi night in 1973, two ordinary men experienced something so astonishing, it would change their lives and ripple through the world of UFO research for decades to come. The story of Calvin Parker and Charles "Charlie" Hickson—often overshadowed by more famous cases like Roswell—remains one of the most compelling and credible accounts in UFO history. The sheer humanity of their experience, the evidence gathered, and the lasting impact make the Pascagoula abduction an enduring mystery worth revisiting.
A Night Like No Other on the Pascagoula River
Calvin Parker, just 18, was nervous but excited for his first day on the job at the local shipyard, a gift from his family friend and father-figure, Charlie Hickson. After a day’s labor, the two men found solace in their shared love: fishing. On the night of October 11, 1973, nestled on an old abandoned pier on the banks of the Pascagoula River in Mississippi, their world turned upside down.
A sudden blue light behind them—at first mistaken for the police, given the “no entry” sign they’d ignored—heralded the arrival of something otherworldly. Hovering a foot and a half above the ground was a glowing, oval-shaped craft. From it emerged three beings, stocky and gray, with pincers for hands, mitten-like appendages, and wrinkled skin reminiscent of an elephant. The air was electric with fear and disbelief.
Both men were paralyzed and helpless as they were lifted aboard. What followed was a bizarre and unsettling examination. Calvin was separated from Charlie, placed on a transparent table, and inspected by a floating device. He was approached by a mysterious, almost human-looking female entity who conducted a painful examination, leaving lasting marks. Charlie underwent a different ordeal, scanned by a large, eye-like object. Soon after, both men were returned to the riverbank, terrified, physically marked, and psychologically changed.
The Aftermath: From Secrecy to Spotlight
Initially, the pair vowed to keep their encounter a secret. Calvin, soon to be married, feared ridicule or worse. But driven by a sense of civic responsibility, Charlie persuaded Calvin to alert the authorities. Their harrowing story was met with skepticism; they were given sobriety tests and interviewed separately. Yet, a secret tape—recorded by the sheriff’s office while the men were left alone—captured their raw, panicked emotions and reinforced their credibility.
Against their wishes, news of the encounter leaked. Suddenly, these two humble men were thrust into a media storm, interrogated by local law enforcement, military officials at Keesler Air Force Base, doctors at the Singing River Hospital, and even renowned UFO researchers. They were checked for radiation, examined for wounds, and quizzed about every detail.
Physical Evidence and New Witnesses
Over time, evidence supporting their claims began to surface. Photographs taken shortly after the incident documented puncture wounds—one on Charlie’s forearm, another under Calvin’s foot—matching their testimony about painful injections during the encounter. These were found decades later, thanks to diligent researchers and newly uncovered files.
The ripple effect didn’t end there. Other witnesses, some who saw strange lights or craft in the area that night, came forward. Larry Booth, watching his favorite TV show, spotted a glowing object over the rooftops. A local clergyman and his passengers had a sighting corroborated decades later by a rediscovered witness, thanks to relentless journalistic detective work. Even law enforcement received dozens of UFO reports the same night, rushed in by phone calls and visitors to the station.
What Made the Pascagoula Abduction Unique?
Unlike many sensationalized tales, the Pascagoula abduction stands out for its humility and humanity. Calvin and Charlie weren’t attention-seekers or UFO enthusiasts; they were hardworking, family-oriented men leading ordinary lives. Their reluctance to speak out, their initial fear of ridicule, and their honest, consistent retelling set their story apart.
Further, the case attracted top investigators, including Dr. J. Allen Hynek—who coined the term "close encounters"—and led to the discovery of supporting evidence, documented testimony, and credible physical marks left on the men. Decades of follow-up work by researchers like Philip Mantle and Dr. Irena Scott have brought new witnesses and details to light, reinforcing the case with corroborative accounts and documentation.
Nearly 50 years later, Calvin Parker, at last vindicated by mounting evidence and outside testimonies, declared with quiet pride: "I told you so." Books such as "Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The Pascagoula Alien Abduction" and "Pascagoula Uncovered" detail the decades-long investigation, drawing a powerful conclusion—that two ordinary men encountered something extraordinary.
Takeaway: The Human Side of the Unexplained
The Pascagoula abduction remains a classic in UFO lore not because of alien spectacle, but because of the believability and vulnerability of two blue-collar men forced to confront the unimaginable. Their ordeal, documented and corroborated over decades, stands as a challenge to our understanding of reality—a reminder that extraordinary events can happen to the most ordinary among us.
So as we explore the mysterious and the unexplained, let’s remember: sometimes, the most astonishing stories begin on a quiet riverbank, under the cover of darkness, with two fishermen casting their lines into the unknown.
For more chilling accounts and thoughtful investigations, subscribe to our channel, explore our website at tvi.show, or check out the books by Philip Mantle and Dr. Irena Scott—testimonies to the fact that sometimes, the truth really is stranger than fiction.
📕 Guest: Philip Mantle
Philip is a British UFO researcher and author known for his long‑standing involvement in the study of unexplained aerial phenomena. He has played a leading role within the UK UFO community, including serving as a director of the British UFO Research Association during the mid‑1990s. Mantle has investigated and documented numerous UFO cases and is widely recognized for his research, writing, and efforts to bring a more structured and investigative approach to the subject.
🌍 Website: https://flyingdiskpress.blogspot.com/
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philip.mantle.9/
