This article was published in the daily newspaper Calgary Sun, Canada, on August 19, 2002.
OTTAWA [CP] -- Canada's Arctic seems to be competing for a place in the X-Files with reports of mysterious objects plying its frigid waters, strange footprints detected near shorelines and an unusual absence of marine animals.
Over the past couple of years, there have been at least a dozen sightings of unusual objects moving along or just below the surface of the water in the North, according to newly released Canadian Forces records.
Last September, Inuit hunters and members of the Canadian Rangers reported what they believed was a foreign submarine checking out Canada's Arctic territories.
Most of the sightings took place last August and September near Pond Inlet on Baffin Island, where, on 11 occasions, witnesses reported seeing large waves and strange objects in the water.
"I'm pretty convinced (foreign submarines) are operating there," says retired commander of Canadian Forces Northern Area, Col. Pierre Leblanc.
Two Canadian Navy submariners sent to investigate last year's sighting near Pond Inlet suggested that strong currents or wind could have caused the unusual waves reported.
Navy Cmdr. Mike Considine said all unusual sightings are checked out, and in the case of the Pond Inlet incidents, there was little to suggest foreign boats were operating in the area.
