Biggest search in 50 years produce possible new leads
Nessie hunters recently combed 23 miles of Scotland’s Loch Ness to try to find evidence of the ‘monster’s’ existence.
Hundreds of people also joined the search online – via a number of webcams set up to record the biggest investigation of its kind in 50 years.
Their quest produced no definitive evidence for the existence of any type of mythical animal lurking beneath the waterline.
That said, organisers say they received several ‘potential sightings’ and noted that a hydrophone captured ‘loud underwater noises.’ It points to ‘four mysterious and previously unheard loud noises from the depths of the loch.’
The team further noted that, ‘an online volunteer captured a giant shadow just under the surface, moving, dipping out of sight, then returning and swimming across again.’
The event took place in the last weekend of August and focused itself on the loch which is more than 200 metres deep.
Some commentators noted underwater noises could have been created by shifting sediment or decomposing vegetation – which may have resulted in methane bubbles suddenly erupting to the surface.
Obviously, such explanations don’t rule out the existence of Nessie and investigators are looking into ‘possible video footage of the monster with mysterious ‘humps’ filmed on the loch moving, before disappearing.’
There were ‘multiple submissions of potential sightings via sighting form submissions including streaks in the water.’
‘An exceptional weekend with lots of potential sightings’
‘I’d like to thank all the volunteers who have supported us over the weekend, both in person and online,’ says Alan McKenna from the Loch Ness Exploration team.
‘It’s been an exceptional weekend, with lots of potential sightings and huge interest from across the globe.’
‘We know the monster is elusive, so it is not surprising we don’t have a concrete sighting, but we’ve all had lots of fun and proven the mystery lives on.’
Nessie is clearly still capturing people’s imagination and interest as much today as it did 90 years ago. Some participants travelled from across the Atlantic to try to capture a glimpse of the elusive creature.
‘I’ve been hunting the monster for nine years, but this is my first official hunt. I’ve previously hired my own boat, so this is great as it’s organised by Loch Ness Exploration with support from the Loch Ness Centre,’ says Christie McLeod.
Christie had travelled all the way from Toronto in Canada to take part in the two day event which was marred by bad weather. The inclement conditions were dubbed as ‘Nessie’s Revenge’ by locals and participants alike.
‘I’ve heard lots of stories from the locals, which all contradict each other. There are two types of people in the world, Nessie believers and non-believers, and I’m not interested in the latter.’
‘I have a spiritual connection to the Loch Ness monster and think there is a portal to another dimension in the loch.’
‘Attracting a global audience’
The mysterious monster has become so popular worldwide that Continuum Attractions, which runs award winning visitor attractions across the UK, has recently invested into the new Loch Ness Centre.
The centre is designed to give visitors and enthusiasts the chance to take a tour and learn more about the history of the area – and the sightings.
‘This excitement this weekend has proven that the ongoing hunt for the Loch Ness Monster is still very much alive and continues to draw and attract a global audience, from America, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and more,’ says Paul Nixon, General Manager of the Loch Ness Centre.
‘We all want the same thing, to see and find out what the Loch Ness monster is. We’ve been delighted to welcome so many people into the Loch Ness Centre for visitor centre tours and Deepscan boat trips across the weekend.’