Case description
On December 4, 1949, twenty-three-year-old Mário Restier was returning from his father’s farm near Volta Redonda, Brazil, when he reported seeing a large saucer descend beside the road. Its size was estimated at about 15 metres across. Two humanlike figures appeared and invited him aboard. In his later account, a perceived reassurance about God helped persuade him to go with them.
Inside, Restier described a corridor leading to a room with illuminated screens, controls, maps and a globe. The occupants invited him to travel with them, and he agreed on the condition that he would be returned safely. He said they placed him, still clothed, in a transparent tank filled with liquid, explaining that it would protect and nourish him during the journey. He then lost awareness.
On awakening, Restier recalled an arrival area containing other saucer-like craft. The first figures appeared motionless, while six human-looking hosts in green clothing welcomed him and showed him around. He described buildings, work areas, vehicles and a room displaying information about Earth. The hosts offered explanations about their world, travel and human life. He was given food and a small square piece of metal.
Restier eventually wished to return. He described going through the liquid-tank arrangement again and awakening near the place where he had first boarded. When he reached his father’s farm, he learned that the date was April 14, 1950. Although he remembered only a short visit, more than four months had elapsed. He showed his father the piece of metal and said they tried unsuccessfully to melt or break it. The reported departure, remembered visit and unexpected return date form the central chronological arc of his account.
