light and multiple contacts in Bermuda triangle

This was many years ago, so my mind not be as accurate as I believe. I was in the Coast Guard on the C. G. cutter Valiant, which was (is?) stationed in Galveston Texas. 
We were going to Norfolk, Virginia, for some battle training at the naval shipyard there. I was usually put on lookout, since I had very good eyes back then. I think we were off the coast of Miami (anyway, I remember it as being in the Bermuda triangle) and I saw a light come down from the clouds.  I was looking north, and this light came from the west and landed on the water. 
A few seconds later, I saw the light continue flying east and up and into the clouds. 
I dismissed this as a water plane landing on the ocean at the time, but wondered why it only took a few seconds to fly off again.  Then again, it could have been a helicopter that just idled near the water.  It was too far away to know for sure.
The strange thing about this trip, is that on another watch in the Bermuda triangle, I was told to report all boats and ships in the area because there where multiple contacts on the radar. 
I thought the guys were pulling my leg, because it was a clear night and the moon was shining bright, but there was nothing but smooth water on the ocean. 
When I switched shifts to steer the ship, sure enough there was multiple contacts on the radar. 
I thought maybe a school of whales, but we never saw any break the surface.
Witness indicates that the date of the event is approximate.  PD