Father Gill UFO Sighting
An Anglican priest and 37 others watched humanoid figures on a hovering UFO for hours. When they waved, the figures waved back. The case is considered one of the best multi-witness encounters.
On June 26-27, 1959, Anglican priest William Booth Gill and 37 other witnesses observed a hovering UFO with humanoid figures on top for several hours over two nights. When Father Gill waved at the figures, they apparently waved back. The case remains one of the best-documented mass sightings in UFO history.
The Witness
Father William Gill was an Anglican priest and an Australian missionary who served in Papua New Guinea. He was an educated observer, and due to his credible witness testimony, this case is considered a significant event in the history of UFO sightings.
The Location
The sighting took place at Boianai, a remote mission station located in Papua New Guinea, situated in a coastal area. The area was characterized by clear tropical skies, and a mission staff of approximately 38 individuals were present at the time, contributing to the observed event.
Night One - June 26
Around 6:45 PM, a large bright light appeared above the mission station, immediately drawing attention. The light was observed hovering steadily, and the staff quickly gathered to observe the unusual phenomenon.
The Object
Witnesses described the object as a large disc-shaped craft, measuring approximately 40 feet in width. It was observed hovering in the air, emitting a bright light from its base, accompanied by blue spotlights that were actively used.
The Figures
Most remarkably, four humanoid shapes were seen on top of the craft. These figures appeared to be actively working and moving around with relative clarity, presenting themselves as distinctly visible to the observers.
The Wave
Father Gill waved his hand toward the figures, and they responded by waving back, creating a clear interaction. Other witnesses also participated in waving, and the figures repeatedly responded to their gestures, indicating a multi-faceted interaction.
Duration - Night One
The observation continued for over three hours, with multiple witnesses gathering to provide their accounts and observe the object in detail. The group eventually went to dinner, but the object remained present in the sky, continuing its observation.
Night Two - June 27
The object returned on the following evening, at a similar time, and the same craft was apparent in the sky. Notably, more figures were observed, extending the observation period and solidifying the two-night event.
The Witnesses
A total of 38 people witnessed the event, including Father Gill, the mission staff, teachers, and local residents. All of these individuals signed a formal statement documenting their observations.
The Signed Statement
A written account of the event was meticulously documented, with 38 signatures affixed to it. The statement contained detailed descriptions of the object and its features, and was immediately recorded, providing crucial primary evidence for the case.
Gill’s Character
Father Gill was a well-educated and respected clergyman. Prior to the sighting, he had no known interest in UFOs, but he proved to be a reliable witness, and his role as a church representative added further credibility to his report.
His Report
Father Gill reported his observations to church authorities and to the Australian government, providing a detailed account of the event. He consistently maintained his story over time, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the truth of his experience.
Skeptical Explanations
Some suggested explanations for the sighting included observations of Venus and the stars, the misidentification of a bright planet, or the phenomenon of autokinesis. However, witnesses vehemently disagreed with these explanations, arguing that they failed to account for the observed figures.
Problems with Skepticism
Witnesses emphasized the clear visibility of the figures, the documented interaction that occurred, and the fact that the object was not simply a light. They also pointed out the extended duration of the observation across multiple nights, suggesting that the phenomenon was too structured and organized to be attributable to a planet.
Official Response
The Australian government received Father Gill’s report and filed it away, taking no further action. Later, the report was released, but no official explanation was offered for the sighting.
Significance
The Father Gill case is significant for several reasons, including the multiple witnesses involved, the involvement of a clergy member, the presence of signed statements, the claimed interaction with the object, and the two-night duration of the observations.
Legacy
The Father Gill sighting remains one of the most significant mass-witness UFO cases, largely due to the credibility of the priest and the other witnesses, and the apparent interaction that was claimed to have taken place. This case continues to be compelling within the history of UFO research.
Sources
- Wikipedia search: “Father Gill UFO Sighting”
- Project Blue Book — National Archives — USAF UFO investigation files, 1947–1969
- CIA UFO/UAP Reading Room — Declassified CIA documents on UAP