Lake Cote

Event Summary

Lago de Cote, also known as Lake Cote, is a freshwater lake located in the northern region of Costa Rica. The area is known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity. On September 4, 1971, a team from the Costa Rican National Geographic Institute was conducting an aerial survey of the region. The purpose of the mission was to gather data for a hydroelectric project, which eventually led to the creation of Lake Arenal.

The Photograph
Camera and Equipment
The photograph was taken by Sergio Loaiza, a specialist in aerial photography, using a sophisticated camera system mounted on the mapping plane. The camera was a German-made model weighing approximately 100 pounds and was designed for high-altitude photography. It was set to take automatic photographs at regular intervals as part of the mapping mission.

Capturing the Image
While flying at an altitude of 10,000 feet, the camera captured a series of images of the terrain below. One of these images included a clear and distinct object that appeared to be a large, disk-shaped craft hovering over the lake. The object was in sharp focus against the dark background of the water, making it stand out prominently.

Object Description
Shape and Size
The object in the photograph is described as a three-dimensional disk or shallow cone. It appears to be symmetrical and has a metallic sheen. Based on the altitude and camera settings, experts have estimated the object to be around 683 feet in diameter, making it a significant size compared to typical aircraft or natural phenomena.

Location and Position
The object is located over Lago de Cote, either hovering just above the water's surface or partially submerged. The photograph's clarity and the object's distinct outline suggest that it was not a natural feature or artifact of the imaging process.

Analysis and Observations
Initial Analysis
Upon discovering the photograph, the team initially believed it to be an anomaly or a defect in the film. However, further examination revealed that the object was indeed present in the scene and not a result of camera malfunction or double exposure.

Expert Examination
The photograph has been analyzed by several experts, including Dr. Richard F. Haines, an aerospace psychologist and UFO researcher, and Dr. Jacques F. Vallee, a renowned ufologist and computer scientist. Both concluded that the image was genuine and not manipulated. They noted the object's consistent shadows and reflections, which aligned with the lighting conditions at the time of the photograph.

Crew Testimony
Eyewitness Accounts
Interestingly, the four crew members on the mapping plane, including the pilot and the specialists in aerial photography, did not report seeing anything unusual during the flight. This lack of immediate visual confirmation adds an element of mystery to the case, as the object was clearly captured on film but went unnoticed by the crew.

Professionalism and Credibility
The crew members were highly trained professionals, adding credibility to their accounts and the authenticity of the photograph. Their primary focus during the flight was on the technical aspects of the mapping mission, which might explain why the object went unnoticed.

Local Reports and Legends
Other Sightings
The Lake Cote area has a history of strange sightings and local legends. Farmers and residents in the region have reported seeing unusual lights and objects moving around the surface or just below the surface of the lake. These reports predate the 1971 incident and add to the area's mysterious reputation.

Cultural Significance
The lake is also associated with the Maleku tribe, an indigenous group in Costa Rica. The Maleku people have their own stories and legends about strange occurrences in the area, adding a cultural and historical layer to the mystery of the Lake Cote UFO.

Scientific and Ufological Interest
Jacques Cousteau's Involvement
Renowned explorer Jacques Cousteau reportedly took an interest in the Lake Cote UFO case. Although details of his findings are not widely documented, his involvement underscores the significance of the incident in the eyes of the scientific and exploratory community.

Debate Among Ufologists
The Lake Cote case remains a subject of debate among ufologists. Some consider the photograph one of the best pieces of photographic evidence of a UFO due to its clarity, quality, and the professional circumstances under which it was taken. Others remain skeptical, suggesting natural explanations or optical illusions.

Theories and Speculations
USO (Unidentified Submersible Object)
One theory posits that the object in the photograph was a USO, capable of operating both in the air and underwater. This idea is supported by the object's apparent location over the lake and the sharp contrast between its metallic appearance and the dark water.

Natural Explanations
Skeptics have proposed several natural explanations for the object, including reflections, optical illusions, or a partially submerged natural formation. However, these explanations have been challenged by the photograph's clarity and the expert analysis concluding that the object was not a natural feature.

Event Details