More than 40 years after an official Defence Force photographer snapped an image of the navy cruiser Royalist, debate is raging over the unidentified flying object in the background. The print is believed to have languished since being taken in February 1965, but a plan to display it by the Devonport Navy Museum has sparked speculation about the mystery object. UFO expert Peter Hassall, who wrote a book on the subject in New Zealand, is excited by this previously unreported sighting. The image was captured by the photographer on large-format black and white negative film shot from the cruiser's wing bridge as it approached what looks like Cape Brett in Bay of Islands. The Royalist was on its way back from Waitangi celebrations in February 1965. It was first spotted by museum staff member Paul Restall as he was assembling images for the museum's new website. He checked the negative on a light table and called in digital imaging expert Hans Weichselbaum to perform a high resolution scan. This established that the object was part of the original image. Museum director David Wright said there was nothing to explain what it was. The object appeared to be some distance in front of the ship and none of the sailors working on the bow was taking any notice, as would be expected if something was going on. He said it looked to be too distant to be a dinner plate thrown from the bridge and the same would apply to a clay pigeon used as a shooting target. The angle of the object and absence of visible lines suggested it was not a parachute.

So what is it? "We're not saying it's a UFO," Mr Wright said. "It is just one of those interesting things we came across." Museum staff did not have the time to hunt down former crew members who might be able to solve the mystery but "if people are interested in it and want to pursue its provenance we'll assist them", Mr Wright said. Mr Hassall said it was an intriguing photo. His first thought was that it might be a flaw on the negative but, if that was the case, it was an unusual one. "It is a very interesting image and the classic dome shape that's often reported." However, he is mystified that the photograph has never been reported before.

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What a stupid thing to say.

"Uh we're not saying that this unidentified flying object is a UFO. It is just one of those interesting things we came across."

I agree with Uversa what a stupid thing to say...LOL

Anyway the photograph is very interesting.

Sam.

it could be a fake, or a parachute. you cant trust even the most credible people. theirs always a off chance they can be pulling ur leg. all i see is perhaps a smudge on the photograph or a object. thats it

I think what the fella meant was that it isn't aliens it's just something strange. He just didn't use the right words to properly express his thoughts. Not everyone is an expert.

Its a sting-ray jumping out of the water.

"We're not saying a UFO. Yeah, we know exactly what it is. We're just keeping it a secret."

I think he should have said 'flying saucer'.

After all, hes now at the mercy of a million internet smart-alecs.

Without trying to sound like a smart-arse. In response to your post - OBVIOUSLY

bah, when will these alian freaks stop

when there are no more good UFO photos or videos to examine

That's not a damn UFO.... holy crap ufo this ufo that what a croc???

lol, no real counter-explanations other than the scatter shot, "could be something wrong with it..." Pretty damn interesting. I'd be curious to hear more details and see a better image

Looks like a bowl to me. But that would be one heckuva toss.