The Portsmouth Harbour UFO

In August 1978, multiple witnesses observed a glowing, disc-shaped object hovering above Portsmouth Harbour and the naval base. The sighting lasted several minutes and was reported to both civilian and military authorities.

The Location

Portsmouth Harbour is home to the Royal Navy’s largest base. In 1978, it housed nuclear submarines, aircraft carriers, and other warships. Any unauthorized aerial activity in the area would have been of extreme interest to military security.

The Sighting

On a clear August evening, witnesses on both sides of the harbour observed a bright, disc-shaped object hovering at approximately 1,000 feet. The object glowed with a yellowish-white light and was estimated at 30-50 feet in diameter.

The Behavior

The object hovered motionlessly for several minutes before beginning to move slowly across the harbour. It then stopped again and appeared to descend slightly. Finally, it accelerated rapidly upward and disappeared in seconds.

The Witnesses

Witnesses included civilians on Southsea seafront, ferry passengers, and reportedly personnel at the naval base. The number and variety of independent witnesses made the sighting difficult to dismiss as misperception.

The Response

The Ministry of Defence acknowledged receiving reports but released no explanation. Naval authorities declined to comment on any radar data or response. The proximity to the naval base ensured the sighting was taken seriously.

Assessment

The Portsmouth Harbour UFO sighting demonstrates the recurring pattern of UFO activity near military installations. Whether the objects are attracted to such sites or merely more likely to be noticed there remains an open question.