On the night of October 4, 1967, at least eleven people in Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia, witnessed a low-flying object with flashing lights descend into the waters off the coast. The incident, initially believed to be a plane crash, triggered an extensive search by Canadian authorities, including the RCMP, Coast Guard, and military divers.1 Despite thorough efforts, no wreckage or bodies were ever found, and the object remains officially unidentified, making it one of Canada's most famous and intriguing UFO cases.2
The Sighting and Initial Response
Around 11:20 PM, witnesses, including teenagers, fishermen, and RCMP officers, observed four orange lights in a row flashing in sequence on a low-flying object. The object appeared to plunge into the sea, leading many to believe a plane had crashed.3 Laurie Wickens, one of the initial witnesses, reported what he thought was a plane crash to the RCMP. Emergency services were quickly dispatched, and a search and rescue operation commenced, involving numerous vessels and personnel.4
Investigation and Lingering Mystery
Despite extensive searches over several days, no conventional wreckage was recovered. The only physical evidence reported was a patch of yellowish foam, estimated to be at least 80 feet wide, on the water's surface.5 The object was never officially identified, leading to its designation as an "unidentified flying object (UFO)" in Canadian government documents. The Shag Harbour incident is notable for the number of credible witnesses and the existence of official government and police records related to the event.6 Later theories, proposed by UFO investigators, suggested the object might have moved underwater or that a second craft was involved. The event has since become a significant part of local culture, with a dedicated museum and an annual UFO symposium in the community.7