USO Hotspots: Richard Dolan's Underwater UFO Research
Richard Dolan has established himself as a leading historian in the UFO field, with several respected books to his credit. His latest project represents a groundbreaking exploration into the understudied realm of USOs (Unidentified Submersible Objects), with the recent release of "History of USOs Volume One: From the Beginning to 1969." This approximately 400-page book is just the beginning, as two additional volumes of similar length are forthcoming, creating what will likely be the most comprehensive examination of underwater anomalous phenomena ever assembled.
Despite occasional mentions in UFO literature, dedicated USO research has been relatively scarce. Dolan acknowledges his predecessors, including Ivan T. Sanderson, who authored the first USO book "Invisible Residence," and the late Carl Feindt, who contributed significantly with "UFOs in Water." Through meticulous research, Dolan has collected approximately 700 cases spanning several centuries, with reports clustering around certain geographic "hotspots" like Catalina Island and Puerto Rico. These cases suggest patterns of observation and possible monitoring of human activities, particularly around military vessels and ecologically significant areas.
Key Takeaways
Richard Dolan's three-volume USO history project represents the first comprehensive examination of underwater unidentified objects with nearly 700 documented cases.
Certain geographic locations such as Puerto Rico and Catalina Island emerge as significant hotspots for USO activity throughout recorded history.
The observed patterns suggest possible monitoring of military operations and environmental conditions rather than hostile intent.
Richard Dolan's Historical Impact on Ufology
Richard Dolan stands as the preeminent historian in the field of ufology. His meticulous research and scholarly approach have established him as a foundational figure for understanding both UFO and USO (Unidentified Submersible Object) phenomena. Dolan's comprehensive writing style and commitment to historical documentation have filled critical gaps in the field's knowledge base.
His contribution to USO research represents a significant expansion of his already substantial body of work. The publication of his three-volume history of USOs marks the most comprehensive attempt to catalog and analyze these water-based phenomena. Each volume spans approximately 400 pages, collectively documenting nearly 700 cases ranging from the 19th century to modern times.
Prior to Dolan's work, USO research remained fragmented and lacked systematic organization. Notable early contributors included Ivan T. Sanderson, who wrote the first dedicated USO book "Invisible Residents" over 50 years ago, and Carl Feindt, whose book "UFOs and Water" and accompanying website provided valuable insights into water-based UFO encounters. Dolan's work builds upon these foundations while significantly expanding the scope and analytical framework.
The research process for Dolan's USO volumes involved extensive hunting through scattered sources:
Out-of-print magazines
Historical databases
International publications (including Russian sources)
Previously documented case files
Several geographic "hotspots" emerge in Dolan's USO research:
Location Notable Characteristics Catalina Island Frequent activity, possible military connection Puerto Rico Highest concentration of documented cases Amazon tributaries Potential ecological monitoring activity
Dolan's analysis suggests potential patterns in USO behavior. Many cases indicate observational activities rather than aggressive interactions, with particular interest in military vessels. Some evidence points toward possible environmental monitoring, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.
The Catalina Island region specifically has gained renewed attention following the famous "Tic Tac" incidents. Dolan's historical documentation shows this area has a long history of both UFO and USO activity predating current awareness.
Overview of USOs in Literature
The study of Unidentified Submerged Objects (USOs) has received limited attention compared to their aerial counterparts. Only a handful of dedicated works have been published on the subject. Ivan T. Sanderson authored the first comprehensive USO book titled "Invisible Residents" over 50 years ago, pioneering this field of research.
More recently, the late Carl Feindt made significant contributions with his book "UFOs and Water" and maintained a website documenting water-based UFO encounters. Feindt's work focused extensively on the physical interactions between these objects and various forms of water, including rain, fog, and bodies of water.
Russian researchers have also documented USO cases, though language barriers have limited their reach in English-speaking countries. The existing literature contains scattered reports across numerous out-of-print magazines, databases, and books, making systematic study challenging until recent compilation efforts.
The documented USO cases span several centuries, though most are from the 20th and 21st centuries. Key hotspots for USO activity include:
Catalina Island/Channel Islands (California coast)
Puerto Rico (considered the most active USO location globally)
Notable case patterns suggest these objects may be engaged in:
Observational activities
Military monitoring
Environmental surveillance
Ecosystem assessment in ecologically significant areas
While the literature remains relatively sparse compared to general UFO research, the documented cases provide compelling evidence of unknown objects operating with technological capabilities beyond conventional explanation in Earth's waters.
Richard Dolan's USO History Volumes
Richard Dolan, widely regarded as the leading historian in UFO research, has expanded his scholarly work into the realm of USOs (Unidentified Submersible Objects) with his comprehensive three-volume series. The first volume, "History of USOs, Volume 1: From the Beginning to 1969," spans approximately 400 pages and was recently published. Volumes 2 and 3 are near completion, each expected to be similar in length.
This ambitious project represents the first systematic historical examination of USOs. While a few authors have previously addressed the topic, the literature on underwater UFO encounters remains sparse compared to aerial sightings. Dolan acknowledges pioneers in the field, particularly Ivan T. Sanderson, who authored the first USO-specific book "Invisible Residents" over five decades ago, and the late Carl Feindt, whose book "UFOs and Water" and website made significant contributions to the subject.
The three volumes collectively contain nearly 700 cases that Dolan meticulously gathered from scattered sources including:
Out-of-print books
Magazines
Various databases
International research (including Russian materials)
The temporal scope of these cases is impressive, with most occurring in the 20th and 21st centuries, several from the 19th century, and a handful from earlier periods.
One notable case highlighted from the early 1980s involved a family traveling by boat to Catalina Island. The father, an experienced Navy veteran, his wife, and children observed a large yellow object moving approximately 50 feet below their 44-foot Gulf Star vessel. The object moved at an estimated 20 knots, causing the boat to rock as it passed beneath multiple times. After about five minutes of observation, the object departed at extraordinary speed. The witnesses were convinced it was neither a marine creature nor any conventional submarine.
The research reveals distinct USO hotspots, with Puerto Rico being the most active region, followed by the Catalina Island area. These patterns suggest possible monitoring of naval activities, though Dolan clarifies these are not Navy craft themselves. The behavior patterns typically involve observation rather than confrontation.
Some cases also suggest environmental monitoring may be occurring. A 1953 incident in the Amazon rainforest involved witnesses observing a craft landed near a tributary before rapidly taking off from the water. The presence of USOs in ecologically significant areas raises intriguing questions about their purpose and interest in Earth's aquatic environments.
Research Methods
Gathering Case Evidence
The historical research of USO (Unidentified Submerged Objects) phenomena required an extensive collection process. Cases were scattered across numerous sources including out-of-print magazines, specialized databases, and books published in various languages. Through diligent search efforts, approximately 700 cases were accumulated for the comprehensive three-volume study. The temporal range of these cases spans several centuries, with most incidents documented during the 20th and 21st centuries. A smaller number date back to the 19th century, with a few rare examples from even earlier periods.
The research incorporated valuable contributions from previous specialists in the field. Notable pioneers included Ivan T. Sanderson, who authored the first dedicated USO book "Invisible Residence" over fifty years ago, and the more recent work of Carl Fe, who developed "UFOs in Water" and maintained a specialized website documenting water-based UFO encounters. Additionally, non-English sources, particularly Russian research materials, were obtained and integrated into the collection.
Sifting and Weeding Out Process
The evaluation methodology involved rigorous analysis of each reported incident. Many cases required elimination from the final compilation due to insufficient evidence or questionable reliability. The selection criteria focused on credible witness testimony, particularly from individuals with relevant expertise such as naval personnel or experienced boaters who could accurately distinguish between conventional marine phenomena and truly anomalous objects.
Key assessment factors included:
Witness credibility (military background, maritime experience)
Object characteristics (movement patterns, speed capabilities)
Environmental context (proximity to naval facilities, ecological significance)
Consistency with other documented cases
The research identified several geographic hotspots with recurring USO activity. Puerto Rico emerged as the most prominent location for such incidents, followed by the Catalina Island/Channel Islands region off California. These patterns suggest possible monitoring activities directed at naval operations or environmental conditions in these areas. The consistent behavior observed across multiple cases indicates objects entering water environments primarily for observation purposes rather than confrontation.
Notable Cases
UFO phenomena extended beyond our atmosphere, frequently venturing into Earth's waters. These underwater sightings represent a significant aspect of the historical record, often providing compelling evidence of advanced technology operating in environments where conventional craft could not.
Catalina Island, June 15, 1982
In June 1982, a family boating to Catalina Island experienced a remarkable underwater encounter. The group, led by a former Navy man who captained their 44-foot Gulf Star vessel, spotted a large yellow object moving approximately 50 feet below their boat. The object traveled at an estimated 20 knots and exhibited unusual movement patterns.
The unknown object caused their boat to rock back and forth as it passed repeatedly underneath them. Family members grew frightened during the five-minute encounter, with one retreating below deck. The object eventually departed at extraordinary speed.
Key details of the incident:
Location: Waters near Catalina Island
Date: June 15, 1982
Witnesses: Family of four (father with naval experience)
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
Object characteristics:
Yellow coloration
Estimated depth of 50 feet
Speed of roughly 20 knots
Caused unusual water disturbance
Departed at remarkable velocity
The Catalina Island area has since become recognized as a significant hotspot for both underwater and aerial anomalous phenomena, particularly following the more recent "Tic Tac" incidents reported by military personnel in the same region.
Characteristics of USO Encounters
Unidentified Submersible Objects (USOs) exhibit distinctive patterns in their interactions with humans and the environment. These objects move through water with remarkable speed and agility, often estimated at 20 knots or more—velocities that exceed typical marine life capabilities. Their movements appear deliberate rather than random, frequently passing underneath boats multiple times before departing.
USOs demonstrate clear intelligence in their behavior. They often approach human vessels, particularly military craft, suggesting purposeful observation rather than chance encounters. During these interactions, witnesses report the objects remaining in proximity for several minutes before rapidly departing at extraordinary speeds.
Physical characteristics of USOs vary, but many reports describe bright colors, particularly yellow, visible beneath the water's surface. Their presence typically creates unusual disturbances in the water, causing boats to rock abnormally. Witnesses consistently report that these objects bear no resemblance to conventional submarines or known marine creatures.
Several geographical "hotspots" have emerged as frequent USO activity centers:
Location Significance Puerto Rico Primary global hotspot with numerous documented cases Catalina Island Major activity center, particularly in the Channel Islands area Amazon Basin Notable encounters in ecologically significant waterways
These hotspots often coincide with areas of military activity or ecological significance. Some researchers speculate these objects may be monitoring naval operations or environmental conditions, particularly in sensitive or threatened ecosystems.
The behavior of USOs suggests they are not typically hostile. Rather, they appear to be engaged in observation missions, interacting briefly with human vessels before departing. This pattern has remained consistent across decades of documented encounters.
Most witnesses describe feeling a sense of unease or fear during these encounters, often stemming from the objects' unpredictable movements and their clear technological superiority. Despite these reactions, USOs rarely demonstrate aggressive behavior toward human observers.
Alternative Perspectives and Hypotheses
Military Observation Patterns
The recurring presence of unidentified submerged objects near naval facilities and training areas suggests potential deliberate monitoring of human military activities. These craft demonstrate behavior consistent with reconnaissance rather than aggression or interference. In multiple documented cases, these objects maintain safe distances while observing naval exercises or installations, only to depart rapidly when detected or approached.
Some researchers note the disproportionate concentration of sightings near strategic military waters, particularly around Catalina Island and the Channel Islands off California. These locations have hosted extensive naval operations for decades, potentially attracting attention from advanced non-human intelligences.
The objects' technical capabilities—including silent operation, rapid acceleration underwater, and seamless transitions between water and air—indicate technology far beyond current human development. When military vessels attempt pursuit or investigation, these objects typically demonstrate evasive maneuvers at speeds impossible for conventional submarines or underwater craft.
Environmental Monitoring
Evidence suggests these unidentified objects may conduct systematic ecological surveillance of Earth's aquatic environments. Several patterns support this hypothesis:
Concentration in ecological hotspots
Amazon River tributaries
Coral reef systems
Biodiversity-rich coastal zones
Timing correlation with environmental changes
Increased sightings following ecological disturbances
Observations near areas of recent contamination
Activity spikes during unusual oceanic phenomena
The objects often display particular interest in ecologically significant or damaged areas, suggesting potential monitoring of Earth's marine health. This behavior appears most pronounced in regions experiencing environmental stress, pollution events, or unusual biological activity.
Some underwater encounters have occurred precisely in locations where toxic materials were previously dumped, raising questions about whether these craft might be assessing contamination levels or ecological impacts. Their non-interference pattern suggests observation rather than intervention as their primary mission.
USO Hotspots
Several locations around the world have emerged as particularly active areas for Unidentified Submerged Object (USO) sightings. These regions consistently report unusual craft entering, exiting, or traversing bodies of water at extraordinary speeds and with capabilities far beyond conventional watercraft.
Puerto Rico stands out as the undisputed USO capital, with more documented cases than anywhere else in the world. The waters around Catalina Island and the Channel Islands off California's coast form another significant hotspot. This area gained additional prominence following the famous "Tic Tac" incidents, though records show USO activity there long predates those encounters.
A notable Catalina Island case occurred on June 15, 1982, when a family boating to the island encountered a large yellow object moving approximately 50 feet below their 44-foot Gulf Star vessel. The object, traveling at an estimated 20 knots, passed beneath their boat multiple times, causing it to rock side to side. After about five minutes of observation, the object shot away at incredible speed. The father, an experienced Navy veteran familiar with marine phenomena, could not identify the object as any known marine creature or submarine.
The patterns of USO activity suggest possible monitoring purposes. These objects frequently:
Observe naval and military activities
Appear near environmentally significant areas
Interact briefly with witnesses before departing
Demonstrate capabilities far beyond conventional technology
Some researchers speculate these craft might monitor ecologically sensitive zones. A 1953 Amazon rainforest case supports this theory, where locals witnessed a craft resting near a tributary before rapidly taking off from the water, with beings reportedly visible inside.
The concentration of USO activity in specific regions raises important questions about why these particular areas attract such consistent attention from these mysterious underwater phenomena.
Socio-Environmental Factors
Environmental monitoring appears to be a significant aspect of unidentified submersible object (USO) activity. Multiple cases suggest these craft demonstrate particular interest in ecologically significant areas. The Amazon rainforest incident from 1953 stands as a notable example, where locals observed a craft resting near a tributary before rapidly taking off from the water. This occurred in one of Earth's most biodiverse regions, potentially indicating deliberate ecological surveillance.
Several geographic hotspots consistently report higher USO activities. Puerto Rico ranks as the primary location for underwater craft sightings, with the Catalina Island area following as another significant concentration point. These patterns suggest purposeful selection rather than random appearances.
Military presence may also influence USO activity patterns. Many cases reveal these objects appear to observe naval operations without displaying aggressive intentions. This observation-focused behavior indicates intelligence gathering rather than confrontational purposes. When interacting with military vessels, these craft typically maintain a monitoring posture before departing.
The total collection of approximately 700 cases spanning multiple centuries shows consistent patterns in behavior and location selection. Most documented incidents occurred during the 20th and 21st centuries, though a smaller number date back to the 19th century and earlier periods. This historical distribution suggests a long-term presence rather than a recent phenomenon.
Research into USO incidents continues to evolve as more information becomes available through both historical records and contemporary sightings. The systematic examination of these cases represents an important advancement in understanding their potential significance.
