Nessletter - No 001 - January 1974

Magazine Overview

Title: Nessletter
Issue: No I
Date: January 1974

This inaugural issue of the Nessletter, published by the Ness Information Service (N.I.S.), aims to compile information, news, and views related to the subject of 'monsters,' providing updates for members and background for newcomers.

Japanese Expedition to Loch Ness (1973)

The newsletter details the Japanese expedition that arrived in the first week of September 1973. The group consisted of eight individuals, including promoter Kou and expedition leader Shinsaku Yoshida, who is also the president of a Japanese printing firm. The expedition included a disc jockey and a singer responsible for sonar equipment. The author notes that the expedition appeared unprepared, surprised by the conditions and size of Loch Ness, and had not done sufficient homework. Despite significant publicity, the expedition was described as poorly fitted out, with only 'fairly ordinary' sonar equipment. The anticipated submarine did not materialize, and attempts to hire a German firm's vessel or a Vickers 'Pisces' submersible proved unfounded. Eventually, a 40-year-old, 54-foot trawler named "Laureen" was hired from Buckie, skippered by Dick Raynor. Raynor, along with Holly from L.N.I., assisted the Japanese team. The trawler spent much of its time moored in Urquhart Bay. The author concludes that the expedition started poorly due to lack of preparation and, despite the publicity, did not yield any useful findings.

Professor Roy Mackal's Visit and Research Plans

Professor Roy Mackal visited Loch Ness during the first two weeks of November. He was keen to meet the Japanese expedition but was disappointed by their organization. He also hoped to raise funds for a two-year research program he had developed in conjunction with Bob Love. However, as of the publication date, no finance had been secured for this project, which the author believes would be very worthwhile.

Bob Rines' Underwater Research

In 1973, Bob Rines of the Academy of Applied Science chartered Basil Carey's yacht, "Smuggler." This yacht was moored at Goat Rock, near Urquhart Bay. Beneath the yacht, an underwater camera and lights, developed by Professor Harold Edgerton (known for his work with Cousteau), were mounted. This equipment was set up to trigger automatically. The camera used a very fast ASA 8000 black and white film, which was expended in a shorter time than expected. This rapid use of film was interpreted as potentially indicating spurious echoes or a high density of creatures in the area. The gear was calibrated to trigger with echoes of objects approximately 5 feet long. The process of lifting the equipment was featured on the 'Blue Peter' television program. The film was sent to the United States for processing. The latest information indicated that the film had not yet yielded any findings of great interest. For the upcoming year, Bob Rines intended to deploy several smaller strobe light/camera units at various locations around the loch. The author commends Bob Rines and his associates for their diligent and low-profile work since his first visit to Loch Ness in 1971, describing their contribution to Loch Ness research as very worthwhile.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter's primary focus is on documenting and analyzing events and research related to Loch Ness and potentially other 'monster' phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious observation and reporting, with a critical eye towards poorly organized or overly publicized expeditions. There is an appreciation for methodical, low-profile research efforts. The publication aims to serve as an informative resource for those interested in the subject, providing background and updates.