Do UFOs frequent Earth’s oceans? You might be surprised.

Russian Navy’s UFO Encounters: A Deeper Dive into Unexplained Underwater Phenomena

In 2009, reports emerged of declassified Russian Navy records detailing encounters with unidentified objects that seemingly defied known technology. These reports, which spanned decades, have continued to captivate researchers and the public alike. As we revisit this intriguing topic in 2025, new developments have added layers to the ongoing mystery of UFOs and their apparent affinity for Earth’s waters.

The Original Revelations

The initial reports, published by Svobodnaya Pressa, described a special navy group tasked with collecting accounts of unexplained incidents from submarines and military ships. Led by Admiral Nikolay Smirnov, these documents revealed numerous potential UFO encounters that challenged conventional explanations.

Vladimir Azhazha, a former navy officer and prominent Russian UFO researcher, noted at the time that “Fifty percent of UFO encounters are connected with oceans. Fifteen more — with lakes. So UFOs tend to stick to the water.”

High-Profile Incidents

One striking account involved a nuclear submarine on a combat mission in the Pacific Ocean. The crew detected six unknown objects that outmaneuvered the submarine, eventually surfacing and flying away when the submarine reached the surface.

Retired Rear Admiral Yury Beketov recounted mysterious events in the Bermuda Triangle region, where instruments malfunctioned inexplicably or detected objects moving at incredible speeds underwater – up to 230 knots or 400 kph.

Perhaps most chilling was the 1982 incident at Lake Baikal, where military divers reportedly encountered humanoid creatures in silvery suits at a depth of 50 meters. The encounter allegedly resulted in three fatalities and four severe injuries among the divers.

Recent Developments

Since 2009, the landscape of UFO research and public perception has shifted dramatically:

1. Increased Global Interest: The U.S. Navy’s confirmation of UFO videos and subsequent congressional hearings in 2022 and 2023 have brought the topic into mainstream discourse.

2. New Documentary Evidence: “The Age of Disclosure,” a documentary premiered at SXSW in March 2025, claims to present testimony from 34 senior officials about government secrecy surrounding UFOs and alleged alien encounters.

3. Ongoing Reports: Military personnel, particularly naval pilots, continue to report unexplained phenomena over oceans, echoing the patterns described in the Russian Navy’s declassified records.

4. Technological Advancements: Improved underwater exploration capabilities have sparked renewed interest in investigating potential underwater UFO activity, especially in the deep ocean areas mentioned in the original reports.

The Debate Continues

While skepticism remains – with some officials attributing sightings to natural phenomena, large fish shoals, or floating debris – the conversation around UFOs has become increasingly nuanced. Scientists, politicians, and military officials are engaging in more serious discussions about the nature and implications of these unexplained encounters.

The Russian Navy maintains its official stance, denying the existence of a specific UFO-related collection. However, the persistence of unexplained phenomena, particularly in and around bodies of water, continues to fuel research and speculation.

As we look to the future, the mystery of UFOs and their apparent connection to Earth’s oceans remains a compelling area of study. Whether these phenomena represent advanced earthly technology, natural occurrences yet to be understood, or something truly alien, the quest for answers continues to captivate the imagination and push the boundaries of our understanding.