AVIRONS (LES) (974) 21.12.2014

On 21 December 2014 at 21:09, a witness on his ocean-facing balcony noticed a light apparently floating above the sea. Through binoculars he distinguished a dark object whose lower part shimmered orange. He took photographs, but they did not reproduce what he saw through the binoculars. By 22:15, it had moved silently southwest. GEIPAN considers the precise account and 2 original photographs good evidential support, although there is only 1 witness. The investigation report notes its position near the horizon, ship-like appearance, green starboard navigation light, reflections of the vessel and possibly its decks on the water, and a line of sight towards a busy maritime area. GEIPAN considers its appearance and behaviour ordinary and classifies the case B: very probable observation of a ship sailing off Réunion.