Unidentified Object sighted 15 miles Southeast of Ocean City, Md., 1500 hours, 27 July 1954

On 27 July 1954, at approximately 1500 hours, individuals aboard two fishing vessels located 15 miles southeast of Ocean City, Maryland, reported observing a red ball of fire that entered the water. The witnesses observed the object for approximately 15 minutes, estimating its speed between 8 and 24 knots. Some witnesses reported the object traveled submerged, while others stated it traveled on the surface. The incident was reported to the 5th Naval District, which initiated an investigation. The District Intelligence Officer (DIO) determined that the water in the area was too shallow for submarine operations and that no naval craft of that type were in the vicinity. The DIO requested that the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) determine if Langley Air Force Base or the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) could account for the sighting. Investigations at Langley AFB confirmed no aircraft were lost and no bombing or firing practice occurred in the area. NACA's Pilotless Aircraft Research Station at Wallops Island, Virginia, reported firing a rocket and a research model on that date, but noted that the impact points were approximately 30 miles from the reported sighting. Subsequent investigation by the District Intelligence Officer revealed that a witness had approached the object closely enough to identify it as a smoke pot. The DIO concluded that the reported movement of the object was caused by the wind blowing the smoke. The presence of extensive naval activity in the area, including a helicopter observing dunnage, supported the conclusion that the object was a smoke pot used during naval exercises. The Office of Special Investigations considered the case closed.