On October 11, 1973, Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker, two fishermen on the Pascagoula River in Mississippi, claimed they were abducted by non-human entities from an oval-shaped craft. Their dramatic and consistent account, which included a medical examination aboard the craft, quickly garnered national attention and became one of the most prominent alleged alien abduction cases in history.1 The incident occurred during a wave of UFO sightings across the United States, further intensifying public interest and official scrutiny.2
The Encounter
Hickson, 42, and Parker, 19, were fishing off a pier when they heard a whirring sound and saw blue flashing lights. An oval-shaped object, approximately 30-40 feet across, appeared, and three creatures emerged from it. These beings were described as 6-foot tall robotic humanoids with grey, elephant-like skin, bullet-shaped heads, slit-shaped mouths, and crab-like pincers. They were capable of levitating and took both men aboard the craft.3 While on board, both men claimed to be conscious but paralyzed, and were subjected to a medical examination. Hickson described being examined by a "giant robotic eye," while Parker also stated he received a "thorough examination."4
Investigation and Credibility
After being returned to the riverbank, the men promptly reported the incident to the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. Initially skeptical, law enforcement officers secretly recorded a conversation between Hickson and Parker when they believed they were alone. This recording revealed their genuine trauma and consistent recounting of the events, leading Sheriff's Captain Glen Ryder to comment, "If they were lying to me, they should be in Hollywood."5 Charles Hickson reportedly passed a polygraph examination, further adding to the credibility of their claims. Ufologist Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who investigated the case, concluded that the men had experienced "a very real, frightening experience."6
Lasting Impact
The Pascagoula abduction case garnered significant attention from media and researchers alike. Charles Hickson continued to share his story until his death in 2011, never altering his account. Calvin Parker, after initially shying away from the spotlight, later published a book detailing his experience. The incident remains a subject of intense debate and study within ufology, with a plaque installed near the alleged abduction site in Pascagoula to commemorate the event.7