Basilosaurus

Several theories have been proposed by marine biologists and historians.

There's the Basilosaurus theory.

Some researchers, such as Bernard Hubelmans, suggested that the sightings might represent a relict population of Basilosaurus, a primitive whale from the Eocene epoch.

Unlike modern whales, Basilosaurus was serpent-like and moved with the vertical undulations described by the Gloucester witnesses.

Another theory suggests it could have been a giant oarfish or even basking sharks.

Skeptics often suggest the oarfish, which can reach 30 feet in length and has a horse-like head, could have been the culprit.

Several theories have been proposed by marine biologists and historians.

There's the Basilosaurus theory.

Some researchers, such as Bernard Heuvelmans, suggested that the sightings might represent a relic population of Basilosaurus, a primitive whale from the Eocene epoch.

Unlike modern whales, Basilosaurus was serpent-like and moved with the vertical undulations described by the Gloucester witnesses.

Another theory suggests it could have been a giant oarfish or even basking sharks.

Skeptics often suggest the oarfish, which can reach thirty feet in length and has a horse-like head, could have been the culprit.

... and more aquatic.

And you could imagine in a million years maybe a sea otter is a fully aquatic animal, right? And we have this beautiful transitional, uh, record of whales now becoming more aquatic, and then we start to see something, um, like Basilosaurus, which looks like a whale, but it still has some legs.

Mm.

You know? And then we eventually see those get smaller and, and go away, and then whales.