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Strange sea serpent sightings: uncovering the truth

Trouble with Sea Serpent Sightings | Experts Split on Legends and Reality

By

Rita Huang

Apr 21, 2025, 02:54 AM

Edited By

Adrian Cline

2 minutes of reading

Illustration of three sea serpents in water, representing Grangense, Ambon, and Java

A recent online discussion has reignited interest in three historical sea serpent sightings from the early 1900s, with claims that they lack concrete identification. Notably, people seek further insights into these accounts dated May 1901, October 1904, and October 1906, raising questions about their authenticity.

The Cases of the Ambon and Grangense

Three notable incidents have captured attention:

  1. Grangense (Atlantic, May 1901)

  2. Ambon (Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, October 22, 1904)

  3. Java (Oman, October 15, 1906)

A comment from a participant in the forum mentioned,

"All three are included in In the Wake of the Sea-Serpents."

This source seems pivotal as it includes detailed descriptions of the encounters.

The Ambon sighting stands out, with eyewitnesses observing a creature resembling a cayman's head rising six feet from the water, black and white in color, sporting long teeth and a fin. The witness noted a significant shoal of small fish swimming around it, which further adds to the peculiar nature of the report.

Meanwhile, sightings in Java referenced an unconfirmed encounter where a seaman described a brown creature with smooth skin following similar traits to a cayman, leaving many questioning the accuracy of these historical accounts.

Controversy and Skepticism

Participants in the discussion expressed doubts about these creatures, with one user questioning,

"You sure these arenโ€™t stray crocodiles or whales?"

This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism about legitimacy, which seems prevalent among people engaging in the topic.

Key Details Emerge

  • Ambon Sightings (22 October 1904): Eyewitness described a creature with pointy teeth, raising its head about eight feet.

  • Java Incident (15 October 1906): Reported by J. A. Spruijt, who noted a dark creature with a resemblance to a cayman.

  • Grangense Report: An officer reported seeing a grayish-brown amphibian playing on the surface, adding to its mystique.

Sentiment in the Community

Responses reveal a mix of fascination and skepticism regarding these sea serpent encounters. Experts and casual commentators alike are drawn to the mystery but express concerns about the reliability of eyewitness accounts.

Notable Quotes

  • โ€œThis sets a dangerous precedent for future claims.โ€ โ€“ User feedback on the credibility of reports.

  • โ€œIโ€™ll thank you mister, not to mention it to our agentsโ€ โ€“ Captured sentiment conveying fear of ridicule.

Highlights of Discussion

  • ๐ŸŒŠ Three historical sightings sparking renewed interest in local lore.

  • ๐Ÿ” Eyewitness accounts call into question the validity of the descriptions.

  • ๐Ÿ™ƒ Skeptics urge caution in identifying these creatures as real entities.

The ongoing conversation showcases a blend of fascination and intrigue, prompting a deeper dive into the waters of folklore and unseen oceanic life.