The Terror of Colares

In 1977, residents of Colares Island in northern Brazil reported sustained attacks by UFOs that shot light beams causing burns, puncture wounds, and two alleged deaths. The Brazilian Air Force launched Operation Saucer, producing hundreds of pages of documents.

The Location

Colares Island:

• Pará state, Brazil
• Amazon region
• Fishing community
• Remote location
• Population ~2000

The Attacks Begin

Starting August 1977:

• Strange lights appeared
• Over the island
• Night after night
• Residents terrified
• Injuries reported

The Phenomenon

Witnesses described:

• Bright objects
• Various shapes
• Descending low
• Shooting light beams
• At people

The Light Beams

Victims reported:

• Intense light targeted them
• Burning sensation
• Paralysis during attack
• Left marks
• Called “chupa-chupa”

Physical Effects

Victims showed:

• Burn marks
• Puncture wounds
• Hair loss
• Weakness
• Anemia-like symptoms

The Deaths

Two fatalities claimed:

• During the wave
• After attacks
• Investigated
• Controversial
• Disputed by some

Panic in Colares

Community response:

• Mass fear
• Night vigils
• Bonfires lit
• People fled
• Collective trauma

Mayor’s Appeal

Local government:

• Requested military help
• Documented injuries
• Sought explanation
• Desperate situation
• National attention

Operation Saucer

Brazilian Air Force:

• Launched investigation
• Captain Hollanda led
• Arrived September 1977
• Systematic study
• Extensive documentation

The Investigation

Air Force team:

• Interviewed witnesses
• Photographed injuries
• Attempted observation
• Recorded everything
• Professional approach

Military Observations

Soldiers reported:

• Seeing the lights
• Attempted photography
• Some images captured
• Confirmed sightings
• No explanation found

The Documents

Operation Saucer produced:

• 500+ pages
• Photographs
• Medical reports
• Witness statements
• Classified for years

Official Conclusion

Air Force finding:

• Phenomena genuine
• Origin unknown
• No conventional explanation
• Remained classified
• Eventually released

Captain Hollanda

Investigation leader:

• Became convinced
• Of genuine phenomenon
• Later spoke publicly
• Before death in 1997
• Maintained authenticity

Later Release

Documents declassified:

• 2004-2005
• Made public
• Confirmed investigation
• No debunking
• Genuine mystery

Significance

Colares incident significant for:

• Sustained UFO wave
• Physical injuries documented
• Military investigation
• Official documentation
• Community-wide experience

Legacy

The Colares UFO wave stands as one of the most documented cases of alleged UFO attacks on a civilian population. The Brazilian Air Force investigation and subsequent document release give it unique credibility.