Canada reported unidentified aerial event — 1975-04-01 — Ochre River, MB

Thomas Butler Smart reported a flat oval light over the rural municipality of Ochre River, Manitoba, on 1 April 1975. The RCMP's fuller letter places the observation between 22:05 and 22:22 under clear skies. He first noticed the object to the northwest and later from outside his residence saw it almost overhead. Its apparent size was compared with a quarter seen with the naked eye, a visual comparison that does not establish the object's actual dimensions. The object appeared red initially and gradually became white. Smart said it remained still for a time, then moved northwest for fifteen or sixteen minutes before turning directly north and vanishing within seconds. He could not determine its altitude. The surviving report does not describe a dome, windows, landing gear, occupants, conversation or a landing, and it records no vehicle interruption, material trace or injury. It is a prolonged visual observation rather than a documented encounter with beings. The Dauphin detachment forwarded the account to the National Research Council on 7 April. The investigating constable described Smart as well known, honest and reliable from previous dealings. That favorable personal assessment is part of the record, but does not independently identify the light. No other relevant observer had reported a corresponding sighting by the time of the telex. The illustration retains the lone observer and a featureless red-white oval while treating his appearance, house, viewing distance and light scale as approximations.