Nessletter - No 014 - February 1976

Magazine Overview

This document is the fourteenth issue of the Ness Information Service Nessletter, dated February 1976. It marks the beginning of the organization's third year and features an editor's note thanking members and contributors, highlighting the importance of their support. The newsletter details recent developments and reports related to the Loch Ness Monster and other unexplained phenomena.

Editor's Note

The editor expresses gratitude to the N.I.S. members for their contributions and letters, stating that the organization is fulfilling its intended purpose. Special thanks are given to Tim Dinsdale for encouragement and Nick Witchell for news. The editor also acknowledges the tolerance and practical help of his wife and children. A clarification is made that the N.I.S. is separate from the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau (L.N.I.B.), which ceased operations in 1972, although its directors are still involved in evidence gathering. The editor notes that annual subscription costs have risen, but a small reserve of twelve pounds has been accumulated over the past two years.

Loch Lochy Sighting

A significant event reported is a 'Nessie-type' sighting in Loch Lochy on September 30th, witnessed by Mr. and Mrs. Tony Sargent. While motoring North to Inverness, they observed an unusual wake near the Corriegour Hotel. The wake was described as a long line of heart-shaped 'puddles' moving southwards along the loch. Mrs. Sargent initially mistook a disturbance for a diving bird before spotting a long black shape moving swiftly through the water. She attempted to photograph it, but the object submerged. Mr. Sargent described seeing a large grey-black wet back, estimating its length at 20 feet and girth at 6 feet, moving at approximately 10 miles per hour. He detected a backbone and a ridge. A smaller hump was briefly seen behind the larger one before both submerged. The entire episode lasted 1.5 to 2 minutes, with no legs, arms, or head visible. The Sargents, who have lived in Fort William for about a year and believe in Nessie, have nothing to gain from a hoax. This account is supported by historical records from Mrs. Whyte and Tim Dinsdale, and TD confirms the wake photo matches the description.

More Sonar

Videomaster Ltd., a British electronics firm specializing in television games, claims to have detected a large, unexplained body in Loch Ness using 'electro-Videosonic' high-frequency sound waves. The company also reported success in attracting fish with sound waves and proposed a plan to lure a creature into a section of the Caledonian Canal and then drain it. While this generated publicity, the firm did produce a graph of the detected 'something' and has visited Loch Ness.

Underwater Work

A team of 23 divers from Mansfield was scheduled to spend three days in early February diving to depths of 200 feet in Loch Ness, using underwater lights to search for a creature. The newsletter notes this is a risky undertaking for the time of year and awaits further news.

Loch Ness Film 'Carnivore'

Newspaper reports in early February indicated the upcoming production of a new film about the Loch Ness Monster. The initial news is described as 'off-putting' due to its potential similarity to the 'Jaws' category, which the author feels may not aid serious investigators. The film is to be written by Tony Williamson, known for his work on 'Dr Finlay's Casebook', 'The Planemakers', and 'Jason King!', and who is also involved in a new series of 'The Avengers'. The newsletter expresses concern that a film with the title 'Carnivore' could lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Television

The BBC is producing a major documentary about Loch Ness, the first by British national television. It is scheduled for a Tuesday night slot in June and is expected to be worthwhile due to the serious approach being taken.

Aftermath of 'Academy '75' results

There has been continued reaction to the Bob Rines photographs. Letters published in the magazine 'Nature' from scientists at the British Museum and the University of Reading, including G.B.Corbet, L.B.Halstead, P.D.Goriup, and J.A.Middleton, were answered by Sir Peter Scott. Various theories were proposed to explain the pictures, ranging from a sunken Viking ship to optical effects from water mixing. The editor expresses amazement that scientists would propose such explanations while ignoring sonar readings.

More Monsters

Reports of other alleged monsters are included: Paul Smyers from the U.S.A. sent a clipping about the Lake Champlain monster. Tim Church from the U.S.A. provided clippings about a monster in Alkali Lake, Nebraska (dating back to 1923), and sightings in lakes in Idaho, Ontario, and British Columbia. A creature was also reported in the White River, Arkansas, a deep and wide river where most sightings occurred near Jacksonport.

Warm Blood

Bill Paintin brought attention to a new theory suggesting that some dinosaurs were warm-blooded, possessing a regulating mechanism similar to birds and mammals. Fossil evidence indicates that pterosaurs, flying reptiles, had hair covering and maintained high body temperatures for active life. This theory is presented as a counter-argument to the low water temperature of Loch Ness being a reason against reptilian creatures, suggesting that if they were warm-blooded and insulated like whales, the temperature would not be a deterrent.

Coelacanth

An article in 'Science News' (10/1/76) discusses the coelacanth, noting that recent developments show they are viviparous, giving birth to live young. The American Museum of Natural History in New York preserved a female coelacanth (5 feet 3 inches) obtained in 1962. Upon examination last year, it was found to be gravid, containing five miniature coelacanths inside. This information is presented as an example of nature's ongoing surprises.

Closing

The newsletter concludes by reminding members that news and views are welcome, and subscriptions for 1976 are due. Subscription rates are £1.25 for the U.K. and $7.00 for the U.S.A. and Canada. Members are also encouraged to share dates of any visits to the Loch.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing search for evidence of the Loch Ness Monster, the reporting of new sightings and investigations, and the broader context of cryptozoology and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is one of cautious optimism and a desire for rigorous investigation, as evidenced by the editor's critique of speculative explanations for the Rines photographs and his concern about the sensationalist potential of the 'Carnivore' film. There is a clear emphasis on member contributions and the importance of factual reporting. The newsletter also touches upon scientific theories related to prehistoric life and other alleged lake monsters, broadening the scope beyond just Loch Ness.