BATZ-SUR-MER (44) 24.08.2023

After finishing work at about 23:00–23:30 on 23 August 2023, the witness went to a gym in Batz-sur-Mer (44), exercising from 00:30 to 01:30. Walking back along the coast to the campsite where he was staying on holiday, at about 01:30–01:40 near coordinates 47.27411, -2.482339, he saw a stationary, very bright white point towards the ocean. Its apparent size was slightly smaller than the Moon's. He briefly thought it might be the Moon but was adamant it was not. Surprised, he called his cousin at the campsite to describe it. His unimpressed cousin went back to bed, while the witness stayed for another 20–30 minutes, fascinated. On Saint-Michel beach below, he noticed teenagers aged 13–15 having a midnight swim. Around 02:00, as they left, he spoke to them. They had also noticed the strange light in the sky and, though not particularly interested, agreed that it was not the Moon. At about 02:30, aware that he had to work again that morning, the witness left to go to bed. The light was still present and stationary when he walked away. GEIPAN considered the case's evidential strength less than ideal but sufficient for a meaningful conclusion. The supplied video could be analysed and strengthened the case by documenting how the observation unfolded. GEIPAN defines evidential strength as the quantity of reliable, objectively supported information collected for an account. Examination of the case and enquiries with GEIPAN's maritime expert conclusively identified the UAP as the powerful searchlight of the vessel TRITON, which was in the area that night; see the investigation report. GEIPAN classified the case A: observation of TRITON's searchlight.