The investigation of the Baltic Anomaly is ongoing and many questions remain. But based on some new information, it appears our theory is gaining credence. Is the Baltic Anomaly a black smoker?

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

On June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a massive object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!” However, after a large publicity campaign and a new expedition, the Ocean X Team discovered the Anomaly primarily consisted of large rocks. The exact nature of those rocks remain a mystery.

The “Volcano”

New information about the Baltic Anomaly continues to leak out via various press agencies across the world. For the most part, we’re forced to rely on Google Translate, so our translations might be a little off. The latest news comes from Welt Online.

Apparently, the Ocean X Team spotted a 50-meter high mountain shaped like a volcanic cone in the vicinity of the Baltic Anomaly. An “indefinable cloud” oozed out of its peak. The Team speculated this cloud was actually boiling water. The whole thing was shrouded in “very bright red light” and fish “showed unusual patterns of movement.” Incidentally, this structure may account for the mysterious “Rock.”

Back to the Hot Spring Theory

All this calls to mind our theory of an extinguished underwater hot spring, also known as a hydrothermal vent. A hydrothermal vent is created when groundwater in the Earth’s crust is heated by geothermal means and vented out into the sea through a fissure. This super-hot water often contains dissolved minerals. When these minerals contact the water, they can cool and harden. In the process, they form large chimney-shaped structures known as smokers. Some of these smokers have been known to reach as high as sixty meters.

When the dissolved minerals contain large amounts of sulfide, the particles exiting the smoker are colored black. These structures are called black smokers. A white smoker emits lighter colored materials.

We continue to believe one or more extinguished hydrothermal vents created the Baltic Anomaly. When hot water was expelled from black smokers, it caused dissolved minerals to be driven outward. These materials eventually cooled and hardened in the water, forming the strange circular-like object. Eventually, the vents “died.”

“A vent can “die” at any time for several reasons. For example, seismic activity might cause a chimney to collapse. Fluid would then build up in the blocked vent, effectively choking it out. Or the hydrothermal fluid could simply run out, exhausting the vent.” ~ David Meyer, The Baltic Anomaly: The Lost Updates?

Geothermal heat is actually fairly common in the Baltic Sea. And such a vent would help answer some of the more puzzling questions surrounding the phenomena. Take the Ocean X Team’s initial reports of radiation in the area.

“incredible, we have measured the radiative value of the anchors we used. It’s quite intriguing, the normal level of radiation is 0,1 milli Sieverts and we get 0,63 when measuring on the anchors. It’s far from dangorus levels but still; it’s 6 times higher than a normal level of radiation. The anchors have been on the bottom like 2-3 kilometers from the circle, so one can wonder if we will get higher values of radiation the closer we get of the circle?” ~ Ocean X Team, April 2, 2012

Sometimes, black smokers emit radium. In fact, the famous hot springs in Ikaria, Greece, enjoyed by people for thousands of years, are radioactive. Here’s another example of gamma radiation being found in hot (and cold) springs in Jordan.

Also, the Ocean X Team chipped away some rock from the Anomaly and discovered the interior was black. A heavy presence of sulfide would explain this coloring. Sulfide might also explain the substance “resembling soot” which covered the rocks.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Analysis

If our theory of an extinguished black smoker is correct, then the Ocean X Team has a volcanogenic massive sulfide ore deposit on its hands. And that presents a problem.

“The find is not protected by any laws or anything. If the find would be fish, oil, gas or minerals it will belong to a Baltic country since our find is within an economical zone but off the nearest territorial border.” ~ Peter Lindberg, Comment on Another Anomaly 2, August 11, 2011

Previously, we’ve speculated that the Ocean X Team has no real incentive to solve the mystery of the Baltic Anomaly. The mystery is what will sell Titan Television’s documentary as well as the Team’s plans to run submarine tourism trips back and forth to the Anomaly.

“And that bring us to our third conclusion…the Baltic Anomaly will never be solved. That’s not because it can’t be solved but rather because the Ocean X Team has no incentive to solve it. The chances of the Anomaly being anything other than a natural formation are exceedingly small. So, if the Ocean X Team were to answer all the questions, most people would lose interest in the story. Few people would watch a documentary about a natural rock formation. Even fewer people would be willing to pay money to see it on a tour.” – David Meyer, The Baltic Anomaly: What is Going on Here?

And now, we can add another reason to the mix. If the Baltic Anomaly is actually a rich mineral deposit, the Team would have no rights to it. Hence, they have no reason to reveal this fact to the world.

As fellow treasure hunters, we strongly disagree with that fact. As we see it, the Baltic Anomaly falls under the homesteading principle. No one owned it prior to its discovery. The Ocean X Team, on the other hand, is the rightful owner of its own labor. By working the site, the Team added its labor to the mineral deposit and thus, became its rightful owner.

Some unanswered questions remain, namely the “downhill path” consisting of flattened seabed, which leads up to the circular object. However, it’s looking increasingly likely that the Baltic Anomaly might just be leftover material from an extinguished black smoker.

The investigation of the Baltic Anomaly is ongoing and many questions remain. This seems like a good time to step back and take a look at the bigger picture.

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

On June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a strange object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!” However, after a large publicity campaign and a new expedition, the Ocean X Team discovered the Anomaly primarily consisted of large rocks. The exact nature of those rocks remain a mystery.

This story has been about the details. So, we’d like to look at some of the larger issues surrounding the Baltic Anomaly today.

The Limitations of Side-Scan Sonar

The initial “photographs” produced by the Ocean X Team were actually side-scan sonar images. Side-scan sonar works by transmitting acoustic pulses toward the seabed. The seabed, as well as other objects, then reflect those pulses back to the transducer. The pulses are merged together to form an ongoing “picture” of the seabed. Side-scan sonar can create compelling pictures but it’s far from perfect.

“Perhaps even more problematic are the limitations of side-scanning sonar. Even shipwrecks, with their hard edges and solid structures, are difficult to discern from the natural underwater landscape.” ~ David Meyer, The Hunt for Bin Laden’s Corpse

The opposite is true as well. Natural landscape can sometimes be mistaken for solid structures. There are a number of reasons for this. Waves can impact sonar images. Changes in the seabed as well as its composition have a similar effect. And deeper waters require lower frequencies, which hampers resolution.

The initial side-scan sonar photographs of the Baltic Anomaly showed four separate features: the Circle, the Window, the Tracks, and the Rock. The image of the Circle turned out to be fairly accurate (see picture above). Initially, this image caused us to think it was just 60 feet in diameter, compared to the original estimate of 200 feet. However, further examination of the piece from Expressen.se indicates it is indeed 60 meters in diameter, or roughly 200 feet. The Tracks were initially described as 4,000 to 5,000 feet long and consisting of sea floor pushed into long ridges. After investigation, the Tracks turned out to be just 985 feet long and more like a downhill runway. We’ve heard nothing about the Window or the Rock, which leads us to think they might’ve just been sonar distortions.

The Role of Skepticism

The investigation of the Baltic Anomaly is largely complete and the story has come to an end. Or has it?

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

As a reminder, on June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a strange object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!” However, after a large publicity campaign and a new expedition, the Team discovered the Anomaly primarily consisted of large rocks.

The Baltic Anomaly Story isn’t Over Yet

However, the Ocean X Team has managed to keep the story alive, mostly by invoking the unknown. Check out these recent quotes from Dennis Åsberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team.

“This experience is like a dream, it’s something very strange we’ve found. and this is only the beginning of something very very big, we will return to the site shortly .. but now I’m home and processing all the data we have … We have also provided the data to the researchers …. To be continued.” ~ Dennis Åsberg, June 16, 2012

“it is very difficult to answer all the questions I get … but one thing is sure … I will do all that necessary to get all the facts …. we are 100% that we’ve found something [very strang] and we work with all the facts now, but we will return to the object to collect more samples and more. — this is just the beginning … more facts is coming soon.” ~ Dennis Åsberg, June 16, 2012

“We have no answer to what we have found yet. it has become more and more strange now than before.” ~ Dennis Åsberg, June 17, 2012

We have some new information to kick around as well. For example, the Baltic Anomaly is not highly radioactive.

“There are no high levels of radioactive materials.” ~ Dennis Åsberg, June 17, 2012

After its initial side-scan sonar of the area, the Ocean X Team reported six times normal radiation levels on its anchors. While far from lethal, this was still an unusual find and contributed to our theory of an extinguished hydrothermal vent. Unfortunately, Dennis’s wording is vague so it’s impossible to tell if the area has any excess radiation or if the levels are completely normal.

Dennis also provided a little more information on the Baltic Anomaly’s main feature…the Circle.

“there is much that is strange … We have one or more holes in the object … We also have 90 degree angles …. we have not been able to take some samples because of its hardness … but many samples are taken … I as a person am very surprised.” ~ Dennis Åsberg, June 16, 2012

The hole is “egg shaped” and measures 6-10 inches in diameter. The depth of the hole is unknown. However, there are any number of natural processes which could cause such a hole. Also, the Circle consists of smaller stone boulders, measuring 8 feet wide and 26 feet long. The stones are separated by channels. With so much surface area, the discovery of “90 degree angles” isn’t all that surprising.

Strange Phenomena surrounding the Baltic Anomaly?

Perhaps the most intriguing news comes from a new article at Expressen.se. A diver from the Ocean X Team, Stefan Hogeborn, discussed some of the strange phenomena he experienced while near the Baltic Anomaly. The translation is awkward, but from what we can gather, the Team’s satellite phone failed for a little while. He speculates that a “magnetic field” might have interfered with it and notes that the phone worked fine once they’d left the area.

He experienced other equipment failures as well. His dive lamp broke. His DV camera stopped working. After restarting it, he proceeded to film the “object.” But after resurfacing, he discovered the tape was blank.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Analysis

The Ocean X Team has wrapped up its initial investigation of the Baltic Anomaly, an oddly shaped underwater rock formation. However, many unanswered questions still remain.

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

But before we ask the questions, we need to provide some background. On June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a strange object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!”

The initial side-scan sonar images appeared to show four separate features to the Anomaly. One object in particular, the Circle, has received the most attention by far. The other three features, to the best of our knowledge, haven’t received much attention.

• The Circle: The Church is on the mid-left of this image (scroll down until you reach the image with the big red star). According to the initial scans, it appeared somewhat circular in shape and measured about 200 feet in diameter. It was described as roughly the size of a jumbo jet.
• The Window: The Window is on the upper right. It was roughly 660 feet from the Circle. Lindberg described it as rectangular-shaped with “two arches” on top. It supposedly measured 120 feet across and looked a little like a “Gothic church window.”
• The Tracks: The third feature consisted of what looked like “tracks” preceding the two anomalies. The initial impression was the Tracks consisted of sea floor pushed into long ridges. The Tracks near the Circle supposedly ran 4,000 to 5,000 feet. The Window’s tracks were shorter.
• The Rock: If you were to draw a line through the base of the two tracks, they would connect at a fourth feature, roughly 4,900 feet away. It wasn’t initially photographed. However, the Ocean X Team described it as looking like a huge rock measuring 90 feet tall and 900 feet in diameter. A large crack, measuring 120-180 feet wide and 60 feet deep, ran through it. This “crack” faced out toward the Tracks.

These four features, when combined together, appeared to tell the story of an impact event. Many people speculated a single object struck the bottom of the Baltic Sea. Two pieces broke off upon impact, leaving behind a large “crack” in the Rock. These sections skidded off in different directions. In the process, they caused “pressure waves,” which carved ridges, or the Tracks, into the seabed.

The actual nature of this object was heavily debated. At one point, Peter Lindberg suggested it might be an asteroid. He also suggested it might be an artificial object, based on the Circle’s straight lines and circular shape.

“Yeah, if it is natural, it is very, very strange. It would fit more if it is made by someone.” ~ Peter Lindberg, Expedition to Baltic Sea Mystery

What is the Baltic Anomaly?

Recently, the Ocean X Team completed its investigation of the Baltic Anomaly. As far as we know, they limited their search to the Circle. They discovered it was actually a large mushroom-shaped “object” (presumably sandstone). It contained several curious features, namely an “egg shaped hole” measuring 6-10 inches in diameter as well as several “strange stone circle formations” resembling “small fireplaces.” These particular stones were covered in “something resembling soot.” The tracks leading to the “object” were described as “a runway or a downhill path that is flattened at the seabed with the object at the end of it.” Yesterday, we speculated the stone circles were produced by nature many centuries ago.

“But what is this natural formation? And how did the rocks end up in such a nice circle? One clue lies in the fact that the Baltic Sea was under ice during the last Ice Age. Thus, these rocks might actually constitute a moraine. In other words, as an ice sheet retreated, the rocks slid down a cone of ice to form a circular shape.” ~ David Meyer, The Baltic Anomaly: Answers at Last?

We still consider a moraine to be a feasible explanation. However, after further reflection, we’re not sure it matters much. The initial photographs of the circle formations caused much confusion. It was originally suspected these stones actually constituted the entire Circle. It turns out they are much smaller than we originally thought. Stefan Hogeborn, one of the divers, described them as being “like four or five pearl necklaces with stones, each a few decimeters in diameter.” For reference, a decimeter is equal to roughly four inches.

The Circle actually consists of smaller stone boulders, measuring 8 feet wide and 26 feet long. The stones were separated by channels and resembled sandstone, but were described as “harder.” When divers broke off a few pieces, they discovered the inside was black, like volcanic rock. However, no known volcanos exist in the area.

More Questions…

While the Ocean X Team has released a lot of information, numerous questions remain. The first couple are obvious. What exactly is the “object”? Is it sandstone? Something else? The blackened interior is intriguing. However, we might be able to explain it. It could contain organic material. Organic material from dead organisms (such as plants) doesn’t decay without oxygen. The bottom of the Baltic Sea is obviously a low-oxygen area. Under these circumstances, organic material can turn into a black sediment and harden into rocks.

Also, what about the other features? We assume the “downhill path” is another term for the Tracks. Thus, it seems the rocks slid down this path into their present position. But what about the Window? And the Rock? Did the Ocean X Team investigate these features? Were they real? Or just sonar distortions?

Is the Baltic Anomaly Radioactive?

Also, what about the radiation?

“incredible, we have measured the radiative value of the anchors we used. It’s quite intriguing, the normal level of radiation is 0,1 milli Sieverts and we get 0,63 when measuring on the anchors. It’s far from dangorus levels but still; it’s 6 times higher than a normal level of radiation. The anchors have been on the bottom like 2-3 kilometers from the circle, so one can wonder if we will get higher values of radiation the closer we get of the circle?” ~ Ocean Explorer, April 2, 2012

We’ve speculated this radiation was actually caused by an extinguished hydrothermal vent. Such vents are created when groundwater in the Earth’s crust is heated by geothermal means. They are found all over the world and are quite common in the Baltic Sea. Sometimes, they contain radium. In fact, the famous hot springs in Ikaria, Greece, enjoyed by people for thousands of years, are radioactive. Here’s another example of gamma radiation being found in hot (and cold) springs in Jordan.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Analysis

Interestingly enough, hydrothermal vents often emit black material, with heavy sulfide content. Such vents could feasibly explain the blackened rock interiors found by the Ocean X Team. If so, the Team could have a giant sulfide ore deposit on its hands. So, were there hydrothermal vents in the area? And were the levels of radiation higher near the Anomaly?

Well, that’s just a few questions we’d like to see answered in the near future. It’s possible the Team is saving answers for Titan Television’s documentary. Either way, we’re still intrigued by this strange phenomenon.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Coverage of the Baltic Anomaly

• 1/30/12: A Lost Shipwreck…or a Lost UFO?
• 6/2/12: The Baltic Anomaly?
• 6/6/12: The Baltic Anomaly: UFO…or just a Hot Spring?
• 6/8/12: The Baltic Anomaly: A New Discovery?
• 6/12/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Is it a Hoax?
• 6/13/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Another “Great Lakes Hoax”?
• 6/14/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Lost Updates?
• 6/15/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Answers at Last?
• 6/16/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Questions & Speculation?
• 6/17/12: The Baltic Anomaly: What is Going on Here?
• 6/18/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Bigger Picture?
• 6/19/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Is it a Black Smoker?
• 6/20/12: The Baltic Anomaly: That Mysterious Pillar?
• 6/21/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Nazi Connection?
• 6/22/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Ocean X Team Speaks!
• 6/23/12: The Baltic Anomaly: What is the next “Anomaly”?
• 6/27/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Is it Natural…or Artificial?
• 6/28/12: Breaking News: Is the Baltic Anomaly an Elaborate Hoax?
• 7/2/12: The Baltic Anomaly: What is the Secret Wreck?
• 7/6/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Original Ocean X Team?
• 7/16/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Fire and Ice Theory?

Nearly a year ago, the Ocean X Team discovered the Baltic Anomaly, a mammoth underwater formation or object of unknown origin. Now, they’ve finally wrapped up their return expedition. So, what did they find?

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

Let’s start with the background. On June 19, 2011, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a strange object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. At the time, Peter Lindberg, co-founder of the Ocean X Team, jokingly declared “Hey guys, we have a UFO!”

Return to the Baltic Anomaly!

On June 6, 2012, the Ocean X Team returned to the site. The Team issued two updates over the next five days.

“BREAKING NEWS 2pm, The divers are now down and investigating the circle and reports from the ship say they are really amazed. There is definitely something unusual hiding at the seabed – a Mystery Beneath. More information and pictures will be released next week.” ~ Ocean X Team on Site, June 7, 2:00pm

“Everything is top secret now … because of the risks … hope you all understand this is no game. But the truth will be reported shortly.” ~ Dennis Åsberg, Ocean X Team, June 10, 2012

Interest in the Anomaly’s exact nature surged. UFO enthusiasts were especially intrigued by the statements. Now, the Ocean X Team has emerged to finally tell the world about the “Mystery Beneath.” They published a press release and gave an exclusive interview to a Swedish media firm named Expressen.se. Unfortunately, the press release is somewhat vague and the translated interview is difficult to understand. Still, we’ve done our best to piece this together.It turns out the circle-shaped formation is actually a mushroom-shaped “object,” standing 10-13 feet above the silt. The Team doesn’t actually state the “object” is a large stone, but that appears to be the implication. Its sides are rounded and the edges are described as “rugged.”

The “object” has several curious features. An “egg shaped hole” is positioned at the top. Also, several “strange stone circle formations” resembling “small fireplaces” are positioned around the object. These stones are covered in “something resembling soot.”

The Team took samples from the site. However, one suggestion is that the rocks are made of sandstone.

There’s still no word from the Ocean X Team on the Baltic Anomaly, a mammoth underwater formation or object of unknown origin. But there are still some things we can learn from the past. What are the Team’s “lost updates?”

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

Here’s the background. Last summer, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a strange object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. It’s about 200 feet in diameter, with a tail stretching over 1,300 feet across the sea floor. Recently, the team returned to the site to give it a closer look (see the bottom of this article for our complete coverage of the Baltic Anomaly).

Let’s get one thing out of the way. We’re highly skeptical of the Baltic Anomaly. Between the vague and highly charged updates, the involvement of Titan Television, and dark hints at “military intervention,” we can’t help but wonder if this is a hoax to drum up publicity for the eventual documentary.

The Lost Updates?

That being said, we recently came across some interesting information. Back in August 2011, the Ocean X Team started a blog. It only lasted seven days and was subsequently removed from the Team’s website. There are only two places to access these “lost updates”…the Team’s original (now abandoned) Facebook page as well as archived comment pages. I won’t go into all of the updates. Some are fairly benign.

“A question that poped up was if we think ‘it’ still left and if we are monitoring the site. Here is my answer: ‘We think the anomaly is still there. We have not have had the site monitored due to lack of resources.'” ~ Peter Lindberg, Monitoring of Site, August 6, 2011

“…I do not know what the circle shaped anomaly can be. The anomaly is 60 meters (180 feet) across and not just 60 feet. Its about the same as the wing span of a Jumbo jet. The size of the anomaly is one of the reasons why we from the beginning found it a bit odd.” ~ Peter Lindberg, For Media, August 6, 2011

But at least two of the updates are somewhat intriguing. Here’s the first one.

“Speculations; In the area where we found ‘it’ there is approximately a 4-6 meter thick layer of glacial clay and on top of that a layer of sediment which is about 0,2 meters thick. Under the layer of glacial clay there is bedrock. At some places in the Baltic and Gulf of Bothnia the bedrock are [coming] up through the clay and ridges and hill-formations are formed. The area is in no way thermal active. Another thing is that this place was under the ice during the ice age which probably means that is not an old volcano crater. A crater should have been flatten out by the ice.” ~ Peter Lindberg, Speculations, August 9, 2011

Is the Baltic Anomaly a Hydrothermal Vent?

Assuming Lindberg is accurate, this calls into question our theory of a hydrothermal vent, or an underwater hot spring. We’ve long felt such a vent was the most likely explanation for the Anomaly. It would explain the radiation as well as the Anomaly’s strange shape.

“When hot water is expelled from a hot spring, it causes dissolved minerals and the surrounding soil to be driven outward. These materials eventually cool and harden in the water. All in all, this might account for the vast amount of disturbed seabed as well as an object that looks like a sandbar.” ~ David Meyer, The Baltic Anomaly: UFO…or just a Hot Spring?

Lindberg’s statement makes an active hydrothermal vent extremely unlikely. However, it certainly doesn’t cancel out the idea of an extinguished hydrothermal vent. A vent can “die” at any time for several reasons. For example, seismic activity might cause a chimney to collapse. Fluid would then build up in the blocked vent, effectively choking it out. Or the hydrothermal fluid could simply run out, exhausting the vent.

One Last Update

The second post we found interesting is actually a comment from Mr. Lindberg.

“…No military or governmental departments have been in contact with us. Someone else can go out to find out what we have found. It’s always a risk in this business that other parties interfere. The find is not protected by any laws or anything. If the find would be fish, oil, gas or minerals it will belong to a Baltic country since our find is within an economical zone but off the nearest territorial border.” ~ Peter Lindberg, Comment on Another Anomaly 2, August 11, 2011

We’ve got two observations about this post. First, there were no thoughts of “military intervention” as of August 2011. That all changed when The Ocean X Team started calling attention to military exercises in the vicinity of the Anomaly.

“Do you know that there is a large military exercise in the Baltic Sea now, with Germany U.S., england. why is it so … what do you think?” ~ Ocean Explorer, May 30, 2012

“Right now there is a military exercise in the area where both Russians and Americans are involved. I can not help but wonder why it is happening right now.” ~ Dennis Åsberg, Translated from Aftonbladet, May 31, 2012

These military exercises are real, but hardly unexpected. They are called BALTOPS and take place every year in the Baltic Sea. The fact that the Ocean X Team called attention to them strikes us as suspicious. It’s possible they did this to help build a cover story for military intervention.

Second, Lindberg is obviously a treasure hunter and seems inclined to deal with the facts. His cooly-worded statements are a far cry from the highly charged and ultra-vague statements recently issued by his partner, Mr. Dennis Åsberg.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Analysis

You have to hand it to the Ocean X Team. They’ve done a marvelous job building up a captive audience. Many people, especially UFO enthusiasts, are on the edge of their seats. The Team accomplished this feat by teasing the possibility of something spectacular, such as a sunken city or a crashed UFO (on a side note, the fanciful image above of a crashed spaceship can be found on the Team’s website). The publicity campaign was necessary…without it, the Team wouldn’t have been able to afford any further expeditions to the Anomaly.

“It is not in our sphere of interest to go for this object since the cost for each hour out on the sea are tremendous. Since it might be nothing we can not afford spending funds just to have a look at it, even if it might be a ‘new’ Stonehenge standing on the bottom.” ~ Peter Lindberg

However, the successful publicity campaign now presents a problem. What if the Anomaly isn’t a UFO or a sunken city? What if it’s not even a shipwreck? What if it’s something rather mundane? How does the Team save face, especially after recent updates noted the discovery of “something unusual”? And how do they maintain interest for Titan Television’s documentary?

It’s possible the Ocean X Team has found something incredible. But if this is just a hoax of sorts, they still need to bring it to an end. No one else knows the exact location of the Anomaly. Thus, they could concoct any number of stories to cover up it’s true nature. One possibility that wouldn’t surprise us is if the Team claimed they were forced to evacuate the site due to “military intervention.”

“In other words, the Ocean X Team could hide the true nature of the Baltic Anomaly under the guise of ‘military intervention.’ That would leave everyone happy. It would help Titan sell its documentary on the ‘Baltic Cowboys.’ It would keep the Ocean X Team’s reputation intact. And it would give UFO enthusiasts yet another near-miss legend to kick around.” ~ David Meyer, The Baltic Anomaly: Another “Great Lakes Hoax”?

Guerrilla Explorer’s Coverage of the Baltic Anomaly

• 1/30/12: A Lost Shipwreck…or a Lost UFO?
• 6/2/12: The Baltic Anomaly?
• 6/6/12: The Baltic Anomaly: UFO…or just a Hot Spring?
• 6/8/12: The Baltic Anomaly: A New Discovery?
• 6/12/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Is it a Hoax?
• 6/13/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Another “Great Lakes Hoax”?
• 6/14/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Lost Updates?
• 6/15/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Answers at Last?
• 6/16/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Questions & Speculation?
• 6/17/12: The Baltic Anomaly: What is Going on Here?
• 6/18/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Bigger Picture?
• 6/19/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Is it a Black Smoker?
• 6/20/12: The Baltic Anomaly: That Mysterious Pillar?
• 6/21/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Nazi Connection?
• 6/22/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Ocean X Team Speaks!
• 6/23/12: The Baltic Anomaly: What is the next “Anomaly”?
• 6/27/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Is it Natural…or Artificial?
• 6/28/12: Breaking News: Is the Baltic Anomaly an Elaborate Hoax?
• 7/2/12: The Baltic Anomaly: What is the Secret Wreck?
• 7/6/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Original Ocean X Team?
• 7/16/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Fire and Ice Theory?

The Ocean X Team is still investigating the ultra-strange Baltic Anomaly, a gigantic underwater formation. What have they found so far?

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

Here’s a quick background. Last summer, the Ocean X Team used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a strange object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. It’s about 200 feet in diameter, with a tail stretching over 1,300 feet across the sea floor. Recently, the team returned to the site to give it a closer look.

Latest News on the Baltic Anomaly

On June 6, the team reported the following update:

“The ship Ancylus, carrying the Ocean X Team, is now anchored above the circle-shaped object. They started to scan the seabed and they are taking samples for analyses. Due to really bad weather conditions the operation took a little bit longer than scheduled. But they are working hard and prepare to dive down there for further investigations today.” ~ Ocean X Team on Site, June 6, 1:00pm

Okay, so that’s not really news. However, it’s good to hear the expedition got underway without too much of a hitch. The real news came yesterday:

“BREAKING NEWS 2pm, The divers are now down and investigating the circle and reports from the ship say they are really amazed. There is definitely something unusual hiding at the seabed – a Mystery Beneath. More information and pictures will be released next week.” ~ Ocean X Team on Site, June 7, 2:00pm

A Mystery Beneath?

“A Mystery Beneath?” Wow! Sounds intriguing huh? And yet, incredibly unspecific. The Ocean X Team is being pretty cagey here. That should be no surprise, seeing as how the entire project is being filmed by Titan Television. Titan has apparently reserved the website, BalticCowboys.com, for the eventual documentary. Unfortunately, this very caginess makes it impossible to unpack the statement. Which is probably the point. The team and Titan have the ears of the public, especially the ufologists. Once they start to reveal details, the public could lose interest, especially if the Anomaly turns out to be a natural underwater formation.

The Ocean X Team promises “more information and pictures” next week. Personally, we think ufologists should temper their expectations. Nothing in these latest statements dissuades our theory. We continue to think the Baltic Anomaly is a hot spring. It would explain the radiation reported by the Ocean X Team, as well as the Anomaly’s strange shape.

“When hot water is expelled from a hot spring, it causes dissolved minerals and the surrounding soil to be driven outward. These materials eventually cool and harden in the water. All in all, this might account for the vast amount of disturbed seabed as well as an object that looks like a sandbar.” ~ David Meyer, The Baltic Anomaly: UFO…or just a Hot Spring?

On a side note, the Ocean X Team has a lot riding on the exact nature of the Anomaly. After all the hype, anything but a UFO will cause a loss of public interest. Even a shipwreck would be viewed as a disappointment. With that being said, we think its wise to reconsider the team’s tweet from May 30.

“Do you know that there is a large military exercise in the Baltic Sea now, with Germany U.S., england. why is it so … what do you think?” ~ Ocean Explorer, May 30, 2012

As we speak, Ocean Explorer is investigating the ultra-strange Baltic Anomaly, a gigantic underwater formation. Numerous explanations have been put forth, with a crashed UFO being one of the most prominent. But could the Anomaly be nothing more than a hot spring?

Background on the Baltic Anomaly

This is an exciting time for fans of the unexplained. Next month, TIGHAR will launch its latest expedition to Gardner Island in search for answers to Amelia Earhart’s mysterious disappearance. And right now, Ocean Explorer is searching the depths of the Baltic Sea for answers of a different sort.

For those of you who haven’t been following the story, last summer Ocean Explorer used side-scan sonar to “photograph” a strange object deep in the Baltic Sea, approximately 260 feet below surface. The object is about 200 feet in diameter, with a tail stretching over 1,300 feet across the sea floor. Its exact nature is unknown and thus, Ocean Explorer has returned to the site to give it a closer look.

Skepticism over the Baltic Anomaly

Now, I have to admit I’m skeptical of Ocean Explorer. They seem to have no problem fanning the flames of conspiracy theorists, which is far from a good idea for a scientific expedition that wants to be taken seriously. Take this tweet from May 30 to see what I mean.

“Do you know that there is a large military exercise in the Baltic Sea now, with Germany U.S., england. why is it so … what do you think?” ~ Ocean Explorer, May 30, 2012

This military exercise is real…but very easy to explain. Since 1971, United States Naval Forces Europe has participated in BALTOPS, an annual military exercise in the Baltic Sea. So, this looks like nothing more a weak attempt to get ufologists paranoid over military intervention. That’s a pretty big strike against Ocean Explorer’s credibility as far as we’re concerned.

As such, we’re required to take their statements with a grain of salt. That being said, here’s an interesting update from two months ago, which as far as I know hasn’t seen much discussion yet.

“incredible, we have measured the radiative value of the anchors we used. It’s quite intriguing, the normal level of radiation is 0,1 milli Sieverts and we get 0,63 when measuring on the anchors. It’s far from dangorus levels but still; it’s 6 times higher than a normal level of radiation. The anchors have been on the bottom like 2-3 kilometers from the circle, so one can wonder if we will get higher values of radiation the closer we get of the circle?” ~ Ocean Explorer, April 2, 2012

Six times normal radiation levels? Now, that’s a story. The cause of the radiation is unknown but of course, it’s assumed to be associated with the Baltic Anomaly. That begs the question…what could cause such radiation? Well, there’s actually a fairly easy answer…hot springs.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Analysis

Hot springs are created when groundwater in the Earth’s crust is heated by geothermal means. They are found all over the world. Sometimes, they contain radium. In fact, the famous hot springs in Ikaria, Greece, enjoyed by people for thousands of years, are radioactive. Here’s another example of gamma radiation being found in hot (and cold) springs in Jordan.

Now, geothermal heat appears to be quite common in the Baltic Sea. Plus, a large hot spring would explain more than the elevated radiation levels. It would also explain the shape of the Anomaly as well. When hot water is expelled from a hot spring, it causes dissolved minerals and the surrounding soil to be driven outward. These materials eventually cool and harden in the water. All in all, this might account for the vast amount of disturbed seabed as well as an object that looks like a sandbar.

So, is the Baltic Anomaly a hot spring? A natural rock formation? Something else? Well, the last report from Ocean Explorer stated they were “on a roll” as of June 4. So, in all liklihood, we should have answers soon.

Guerrilla Explorer’s Coverage of the Baltic Anomaly

• 1/30/12: A Lost Shipwreck…or a Lost UFO?
• 6/2/12: The Baltic Anomaly?
• 6/6/12: The Baltic Anomaly: UFO…or just a Hot Spring?
• 6/8/12: The Baltic Anomaly: A New Discovery?
• 6/12/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Is it a Hoax?
• 6/13/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Another “Great Lakes Hoax”?
• 6/14/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Lost Updates?
• 6/15/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Answers at Last?
• 6/16/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Questions & Speculation?
• 6/17/12: The Baltic Anomaly: What is Going on Here?
• 6/18/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Bigger Picture?
• 6/19/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Is it a Black Smoker?
• 6/20/12: The Baltic Anomaly: That Mysterious Pillar?
• 6/21/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Nazi Connection?
• 6/22/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Ocean X Team Speaks!
• 6/23/12: The Baltic Anomaly: What is the next “Anomaly”?
• 6/27/12: The Baltic Anomaly: Is it Natural…or Artificial?
• 6/28/12: Breaking News: Is the Baltic Anomaly an Elaborate Hoax?
• 7/2/12: The Baltic Anomaly: What is the Secret Wreck?
• 7/6/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Original Ocean X Team?
• 7/16/12: The Baltic Anomaly: The Fire and Ice Theory?