Bilk - no 059 - 1994 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of BILK, number 59, published in May 1994, is a bi-monthly magazine focused on cryptozoology and unexplained phenomena. It is published by Ulrich Magin in Germany and contains material largely sent by Swiss cryptozoological researcher Andreas Trottmann. Subscriptions are available for DM 15 in Europe and DM 20 elsewhere, with a preference for payment in German bank notes due to high bank charges for cheques.

BEHEMOTH: Loch Ness

The lead story, "BEHEMOTH," questions the authenticity of the Loch Ness Monster phenomenon, specifically addressing the 1934 "Surgeon's Photograph." The article reveals that Christian Spurling, stepson of Marmaduke Wetherell, confessed shortly before his death in November 1993 that he had faked the iconic photograph. Spurling described using a model of Nessie, only 30 cm high and 45 cm long, made of wood and plastic with a lead keel for stability. This hoax was reportedly a revenge against Wetherell, who had been fooled by alleged monster spoors made by an umbrella stand during his 1934 expedition.

The confession was published by Alastair Boyd and David Martin of the Loch Ness and Morar Project. Despite the confession, Boyd remains convinced that the creature exists, and Adrian Shine notes the "thousand-odd eyewitnesses" as reason to continue the hunt. Shine's current focus is on sightings of humps, which he believes fit his "fish-theory" and could be wake effects. However, the article notes that Shine tends to ignore sightings of heads and necks or whole creatures. Both Andreas Trottmann and Rev Dr Gordon Powell, a Nessie witness, have expressed doubts about the hoax confession, questioning the involvement of a London gynaecologist and the explanation for Wilson's second picture, as well as the inconsistent naming of the photographer (Keith or R.K. Wilson).

The author of the article finds the Surgeon's Photograph unimpressive, suggesting the object depicted was small and could be a water bird, aligning with Mackal's identification. The model theory is considered as likely as the water bird theory, and the author concludes that the picture cannot be used as evidence for a large unknown creature.

Sources for this section include various newspapers like Herald Sun, Daily Mail, The Times, TODAY, The Bangor Daily News, New York Times, and Frankfurter Rundschau, with many clips supplied by Andreas Trottmann.

Loch Ness: Now You See It, Now You Don't

Another report from Loch Ness highlights unusual sonar returns registered by the "Project Urquhart" expedition from the Natural History Museum and the Freshwater Biological Association. Senior engineer Birnie Lees reported five such contacts in 1992 and 1993. One echo on July 28, 1992, lasted two minutes and resembled a school of fish, though no large schools are typically found in the loch. Four additional contacts were made in 1993. Lees stated it was too early to draw conclusions but that the contacts warranted further investigation.

Loch Ness Miscellany

Inverness is being considered as a potential headquarters for the British national lottery, with the Inverness District Council suggesting the town's association with the Loch Ness Monster could be a good promotional angle for a "monster Lottery." Additionally, tourist submarines offering trips into the loch are increasing tourism in the region.

Historical Note

An early February 1994 reprint from the Inverness Courier discusses F. R. Flint's 1943 account of ramming the Loch Ness Monster.

LEVIATHAN

This section features two articles from the January issue of INFO Journal (Nr. 70) concerning large unidentified marine creatures. Michel Raynal details sightings of whales with two dorsal fins, proposing they may represent at least two unknown species. Another article examines the alleged giant turtle sighting off Newfoundland in 1883, concluding it was likely a fabrication, possibly a transformed sea serpent story from New Zealand.

KRAKEN

There are indications that new photographs of the alleged giant octopus of St. Augustine, Florida, have been found, which may contain significant clues to its identity. The author expresses hope for their imminent publication.

USO (Unidentified Submerged Object)

Lake Champlain

A report from Richard L. Thompson's book "Alien Identities" describes an incident on August 7, 1968, at Bluff Ledge Camp near Lake Champlain. Witnesses "Michael" and "Janet" reported an unusual light and lost time, later recalling a UFO abduction experience under hypnosis.

Net Incident

A February report from fishermen east of Russia describes sonar detecting a gigantic school of fish, which turned out to be a Russian nuclear submarine.

CRYPTOZOOLOGY

The Mapinguary

The monstrous sloth, previously mentioned in BILK, is currently being hunted by Dr Oren and his expedition in Brazil. Articles on the creature and the expedition's start were noted in the Ludwigsburger Kreiszeitung and Rheinpfalz. Andreas Trottmann provided a clip from the Berner Zeitung about the expedition's planned search in the Acre region.

Another South American Yeti

A farmer near the Manuripe River in the Bolivian Amazonas Basin reportedly observed a giant ape. Newspapers from Codija report the creature weighed over 250 kg and was taller than 2 meters.

Coelacanth News

Since the discovery of Latimeria in 1938, reports of coelacanths from other regions have emerged. An article by J. R. Greenwell discusses possible coelacanth scales found in Florida and Mexico. More intriguing are silver models, possibly from Mexico and dating back centuries, depicting coelacanth-like fish that differ from known species, potentially representing an unknown species of this "living fossil."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of BILK are the persistent mystery of the Loch Ness Monster, the investigation of alleged sea monsters (Leviathan), and the exploration of other unexplained phenomena such as UFOs/USOs, giant octopuses, and cryptids like the Mapinguary and South American Yeti. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and confessions while acknowledging ongoing debates and the possibility of hoaxes, but generally leaning towards the belief that many unexplained phenomena warrant further investigation and may have a basis in reality.