ROCKPORT — Calls to Camden and Rockport police and the Knox County Sheriff's Office Monday morning about at least three loud booms heard by many residents in those two towns have turned up no clues as to the origin of the noise that has left many wondering what they were and who or what made them.

"Could have been a backfire from a jet, or the waves on the rocks, or a UFO," said Camden Police Chief Randy Gagne. "But seriously, we just don't know where they came from."

The first deep boom occurred around 6:45 p.m. Sunday night. It was followed by another about 20 minutes later, and then a third loud, deep boom a short while after that.

The booms sounded like cannon fire, such as the cannons many of the daysailing windjammers and schooners have onboard and occassionally light off in the harbors as they enter or to signal their impending departure. But they don't often touch them off after dark, which is when the third and final boom sent people to their phones to dial 911.

Rockport Police Chief Mark Kelley said Camden police were dispatched initially, and officer Brook Hartshorn headed out to try and find the source. But she was soon called off the hunt by a Knox County Regional Communication Center dispatcher, who said others thought the sound was originating from somewhere in Rockport.

But Rockport was unable to locate the source either, or even pinpoint a location, said Kelley.

So for now, the mystery of last night's booms — remains a mystery.

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Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached by email at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or by calling 207-706-6655.