Strange encounters with unidentified flying objects near bodies of water have been reported for decades. Incidents at various reservoirs and lakes have featured unusual lights, hovering craft, and mysterious figures, often leaving witnesses unsure of what they experienced. Some accounts involve UFOs interacting directly with water, either by hovering above it, emitting odd lights, or even rising from beneath the surface with seemingly no disturbance.

Witness testimonies from locations like Smithfield, Rhode Island, and other sites in the United States suggest a pattern of unidentified activity near water. These stories raise questions about why such incidents often occur near reservoirs and lakes, and what purpose, if any, the water might serve for these unexplained visitors.

Key Takeaways

Reports describe frequent UFO sightings and encounters near bodies of water.
Witnesses have noted strange lights, figures, and craft interacting with reservoirs.
The reasons for these water-related UFO activities remain uncertain.

Summary of Water-Linked UFO Sightings

Recurring Patterns in Reservoir Sightings

Many UFO incidents near reservoirs display similar characteristics. Witnesses often describe the appearance of unexplained lights, glowing shapes, or objects hovering close to or over the water. In several accounts, human-like figures and objects with unusual illumination are reported, sometimes without causing any noise or visible disturbance.

Common elements found in these reports include:

Sudden manifestation of lights or objects, frequently with witnesses unable to identify any conventional source.
Large and smaller figure pairs observed along shorelines, resembling humans but often described as abnormally tall or glowing.
Multiple glowing figures that seem to become suddenly aware of nearby people, creating intense reactions among observers.
Sightings typically involve silence, lack of visible vehicles, and little to no physical disruption of the water or surrounding environment.

These patterns persist in cases dating from the early 1950s through the early 2000s, across various states and types of water bodies.

Theories for Activities Involving Water

A number of possible reasons have been proposed for why unidentified objects target reservoirs and other bodies of water:

Hypothesis Description Resource Collection UFOs might be extracting water for unknown uses, such as drinking or mechanical needs. Propulsion or Cooling Some suggest water could be used for propulsion systems or cooling onboard technology. Concealment Waterways may offer cover, allowing objects or beings to move undetected by humans.

Some reports note the absence of any ripples or bubbles when objects depart or emerge from the water, suggesting the use of advanced technology that could minimize physical effects. Others observe objects releasing substances into the water, or experiencing strange lighting effects, indicating unknown methods of interaction between the craft and the environment.

Physical evidence is rare, and each explanation remains speculative due to limited corroboration. However, the consistency of these details across independent sightings continues to attract attention from those investigating water-linked UFO phenomena.

The 1992 Smithfield Event in Rhode Island

Late-Night Fishing Experience

On July 20th, 1992, two individuals returned to the Smith and Sales Reservoir for night fishing, just hours after a tournament ended. They set up on a peninsula, facing an abandoned house that sat dark and silent, partially hidden from the road. The night was still and exceptionally quiet.

During their time fishing, one person observed what appeared to be an aircraft, possibly a helicopter, descending behind the vacant house. As its lights dimmed, the witnesses briefly assumed a car had arrived and left, though there was no visible vehicle or accompanying sound. Dismissing the occurrence, they continued fishing.

Observation of Unusual Beings and Events

Not long after, the anglers saw erratic lights resembling children playing inside the empty house, visible through the windows. Despite never noticing anyone arrive, they guessed people might be inside using flashlights, given the lack of power.

The situation shifted when they spotted figures suddenly appearing on the shoreline. Notably, one was much taller—around seven feet—and accompanied by a smaller, child-sized companion. The taller figure appeared to be using a flashlight, with the beam directed at the shoreline.

Features Reported:
- Human-like shapes, but larger and more luminous than expected.
- Approximately 15 to 20 glowing figures of varying heights gathered and all faced toward the witnesses.
- The illumination seemed unnatural, almost as if the figures themselves glowed, rather than reflecting light.

Both fishermen found it disturbing that not a single footstep or voice was heard, even as so many figures appeared.

Immediate Response and Long-Term Effects on Witnesses

As the larger figure aimed its flashlight directly towards the boat, both witnesses felt a strong sense of alarm. The main observer focused on starting their engine while sensing the light move across the water—floating about eight feet above their boat. The urgency grew, and they quickly left the scene, reaching the boat ramp in under five minutes.

Once ashore, all the area dogs suddenly began barking loudly, which stood out given the previous silence. Both individuals loaded their boat into the van and sat in shock, overwhelmed by what they had seen. Fearing disbelief and ridicule, they agreed not to speak about the incident.

Aftereffects:
- The witnesses remained silent for over two decades before eventually recounting the event.
- Emotional responses included fear, anxiety, and a reluctance to share their experience with others.

These reactions underscore the profound effect the incident had on those involved.

Early Reports of Unidentified Objects Near Bodies of Water

1954 Incident at a New Jersey Reservoir

In the mid-1950s, two young anglers observed an unusual event while fishing for carp by a reservoir in New Jersey. As they returned late in the evening to retrieve forgotten gear, a dark, substantial object emerged from the water. Notably, the ascent of this object caused no disturbances—no ripples, bubbles, or other typical signs in the water’s surface.

According to the primary witness, the object was estimated to be about 30 to 40 feet across. It rose above the reservoir, hovered briefly, and then abruptly vanished from sight without any sound or flashing lights. The following day, several unrelated individuals reported noticing a glowing globe in the same area, describing the colors as blue and orange. The lack of windows or visible propulsion added to the mystery.

Key Details:

Aspect Description Location Reservoir in New Jersey Witnesses Two boys (with follow-up sightings by others) Object Features 30-40 feet wide, no lights, no propulsion Behavior Emerged silently from water, vanished instantly

Early Morning Sighting at an Arizona Lagoon (2004)

In late December 2004, a small group gathered by a man-made lagoon in Arizona before dawn. As they waited, they observed a bright green orb, roughly the size of a basketball, ascend from the water about 50 yards away. Behind the orb, a roughly three-foot-tall figure also appeared, though darkness and distance prevented a clear view of its features.

The figure intriguingly seemed to walk on the water, taking several steps before the glowing orb suddenly shifted to a brilliant white and shot straight into the sky. After the orb's rapid ascent, the figure also disappeared from sight.

Observed Phenomena:

Green sphere rising from lagoon
Small being emerging under or behind orb
The being appeared to walk across the water
Sudden change in the orb’s color and rapid vertical departure

Witness Reports:

Total witnesses: Five
Time: Around 5 a.m.
Location: Artificial lagoon, approximately 4–6 feet deep

Together, these cases illustrate curious and repeated connections between UFO reports and bodies of water, raising questions about the role of aquatic environments in these sightings.

Unexplained Incidents Near Water Storage Sites

The 1973 Clear Fork Event

At dawn in July 1973, two men named Al and David were preparing their boat at a reservoir when they witnessed an unusual phenomenon. A disc-shaped, aluminum-colored craft hovered about 10–15 feet above the water. It featured a distinct dome on top, a bright light beneath, and appeared to emit caramel-colored smoke.

According to the witnesses, the object seemed to be releasing something into the reservoir. David speculated that the craft was collecting water and possibly expelling unused liquid. The sight deeply unsettled him; both men quickly decided to leave the area. Several other individuals nearby also saw the object, describing it as visible for nearly 20 minutes before it abruptly ascended and shot away at a sharp angle.

Witness Description Duration Actions Observed Al & David Aluminum disc, smoke, bright light ~20 mins Hovering, water transfer, rapid ascent Others Same as above - Witnessed departure

Theories About Why UFOs Visit Reservoirs

The frequent reports of UFOs near man-made lakes and reservoirs have led to several hypotheses about why these sites attract attention. Some theories propose that water might serve a practical function, such as cooling equipment or being used in propulsion technologies. Others believe the water could be for consumption by the craft occupants.

Possible reasons for UFO activity at reservoirs might include:

Resource extraction: Taking water for unknown use
Technological processes: Water used in craft propulsion or cooling
Camouflage: Utilizing secluded water locations to hide activities

Additionally, cases have been reported where objects emerged or disappeared into water without creating any disturbance or waves. This detail has led to speculation about advanced technology that allows objects to transition smoothly between air and water environments. Eyewitness accounts continue to raise questions about the purpose behind these repeated appearances at reservoirs.

Technology Used by UFOs in Relation to Water

The Role of Water for Unidentified Aerial Craft

Several accounts describe unidentified craft engaging with bodies of water, such as reservoirs and lagoons. In recorded incidents, observers have noticed vehicles appearing to either extract or release substances into the water. For example, witnesses have observed disk-shaped objects hovering a few feet above water surfaces, emitting colored lights or mist, and seeming to interact directly with the water.

Some hypotheses for these interactions include:

Retrieval of water for technical or biological use
Utilization of water as a cooling resource
Water intake for propulsion systems

Respected anecdotal sources have observed objects emitting smoke-like material or demonstrating activities consistent with tank flushing or liquid transfer. In several instances, bystanders mentioned the total lack of typical water disturbance that would be expected with large machinery or vehicles.

Incident Location Observed Activity Water Effect Reservoir in Ohio Object hovering, emitting smoke Minimal ripples Emerson, New Jersey Object exiting water, silent No disturbance Chandler, Arizona Globe rising, figure present Unchanged surface

Protective Forces and Environmental Influences

Eyewitnesses have consistently reported that some unidentified vehicles can rise from water or enter it without creating splashes, ripples, or bubbles. In some narratives, objects appear to move gently through both air and water, suggesting the possibility of a surrounding force field or protective barrier.

Notable details from multiple cases include:

Absence of sound or wave motion during approach or departure
Vehicles and figures emitting a self-illumination or glow-like effect
Apparent lack of physical interaction with the environment, despite close proximity

Some researchers propose that these craft use generated energy fields to minimize resistance and movement impact, aiding their transition between air and water. This could explain why several witnesses specifically recall unaffected water surfaces after close-up encounters.

List of possible effects reported:

Quiet, ripple-free exits and entries
Temporary light or color changes on water
Unusual animal behavior following the events (e.g., sudden dog barking)

These consistent observations across separate incidents suggest a technology that allows these objects to interact with water in ways not currently understood by conventional science.

Consequences and Ongoing Mysteries

The recurring nature of unusual encounters around reservoirs and lakes raises several important considerations. These locations—often isolated, quiet, and near water—seem to attract unexplained aerial and humanoid phenomena, making observers question the specific appeal these environments hold for the unknown visitors.

Key Open Questions:

Why do so many sightings involve bodies of water?
Are the lights and figures observed connected to water collection or another function?
How do these phenomena move with little to no physical disturbance, even during highly visible departures?

Reports consistently describe objects or beings appearing and departing with little sound or surface disruption, challenging common expectations about physical movement in both air and water.

Notable Patterns:

Feature Smithfield 1992 Clear Fork 1973 Emerson 1954 Chandler 2004 Time of day Night Early morning Night Early morning Water disturbance None reported None specified None detected Not specified Entities/Objects Multiple glowing figures, lights Metallic disc, bright light Large, dark, windowless object Glowing globe, small figure Witness reaction Fear, quick departure Shock, immediate exit Unable to verify, dismissed Shock, sudden disappearance

It remains unclear what purpose water serves for these entities—possibilities range from fueling and cooling mechanisms to the facilitation of movement between different environments.

There are still significant gaps in the understanding of these events:

What makes reservoirs particularly suitable for such encounters?
Is there a common intent or purpose behind repeated contact with water sources?
How can so many witnesses report strong visual events with so little physical evidence left behind?

This ongoing pattern suggests more comprehensive studies are necessary. Until more information is gathered, the answers to these mysteries remain just out of reach.

Underwater UFO Encounters: Mysterious Sightings and Paranormal Activity Near Lakes and Reservoirs