The Colares UFO Flap

In 1977, the small fishing island of Colares in northern Brazil became the site of one of the most disturbing UFO events ever documented. For months, residents were terrorized by unidentified aerial objects that allegedly attacked them with beams of light, leaving physical injuries and causing widespread panic.

The Attacks Begin

Starting in October 1977, residents of Colares and nearby communities along the Pará coast began reporting terrifying nighttime encounters. Luminous objects would descend from the sky and direct intense beams of light at people, particularly targeting women.

Victims reported being paralyzed by the light beams, experiencing intense heat, and feeling as though blood was being drawn from their bodies. Many were left with circular burn marks and puncture wounds. The locals called the objects “chupa-chupa” (sucker-sucker), believing the UFOs were extracting blood.

The Injuries

Dr. Wellaide Cecim Carvalho, a physician at the local health unit, treated approximately 35 patients with similar injuries during the flap. She documented:

• Circular burns, typically 3-5 centimeters in diameter
• Puncture marks resembling needle holes
• Hair loss at the injury sites
• Anemia and weakness in victims
• Symptoms similar to radiation exposure

Two women reportedly died from their injuries, though official records are disputed. Many victims suffered lasting psychological trauma.

Operation Saucer (Operação Prato)

The Brazilian Air Force took the incidents seriously enough to launch Operation Saucer (Operação Prato) in September 1977. Under the command of Captain Uyrangê Hollanda, a team investigated the phenomena for four months.

The operation produced over 500 photographs and hours of film footage allegedly showing the objects. Team members reported their own sightings of disc-shaped and cylindrical craft that could hover silently, move at incredible speeds, and project concentrated beams of light.

Captain Hollanda’s Testimony

In 1997, Captain Hollanda gave interviews revealing the extent of what his team witnessed. He described objects that seemed to demonstrate intelligent control and an interest in observing the investigators. He claimed the Air Force possessed conclusive evidence of non-human craft.

Tragically, Hollanda committed suicide in 1997, just months after going public. Some researchers consider his death suspicious given the timing of his disclosures.

The Objects Described

Witnesses consistently described several types of craft:

• Disc-shaped objects with intense white or colored lights
• Cylindrical “mother ships” from which smaller objects emerged
• Small, probe-like luminous spheres that approached victims closely

The objects made no sound and could change direction instantaneously. They appeared primarily between 7 PM and 4 AM.

Community Response

The terror was so intense that residents organized “UFO watches,” staying awake in groups with bonfires and noise-making devices, believing the objects avoided fire and loud sounds. Many families fled to the mainland. The local economy collapsed as fishermen refused to work at night.

The Catholic Church held special masses, and some residents believed the attacks were demonic in nature.

Official Disclosure

In 2004, the Brazilian Air Force released Operation Saucer files to civilian researchers. The documents confirmed the military had investigated “luminous unidentified aerial phenomena” that caused “lesions, burnings, and other injuries to the population.”

The files included witness testimonies, medical reports, and references to photographic evidence, though many photographs remain classified.

Legacy

The Colares incident stands out for the physical harm allegedly inflicted on witnesses and the official military response. It remains one of the few cases where a government openly acknowledged investigating harmful UFO encounters.

The island today has become a site of UFO tourism, though older residents remain traumatized by their experiences decades later.