Mushroom cloud over Gulf of Mexico in 1964

Summary

In June 1964, a schooner reported to the Coast Guard having seen a mushroom-shaped cloud resembling a nuclear explosion. The sighting reached the New Orleans air base, triggering an investigation. The crew described a cloud rising thousands of feet and lasting about 10 minutes, with no debris falling into the water. The initial position was incorrect, but it was later corrected to 28.37N 89.33W in the Gulf of Mexico.

Military and air authorities conducted a visual and radar search, but found no evidence of an explosion or any anomalous object. The incident was considered possibly a munitions test, as the area is used by military installations like Eglin AFB. The case was eventually closed due to lack of further information. While the phenomenon was never identified, the report reflects how any sky anomaly was treated with caution during that time.