Nessletter - No 020 - 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: Ness Information Service Nessletter
Issue: No. 20
Date: February 1977
Publisher: Ness Information Service
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

Editors Note

The editor reflects on the fourth year of the Ness Information Service (NIS), which began in February 1974. The founder's involvement with the Loch Ness Investigation (LNI) from 1970-71 led to the idea of a newsletter. NIS operates as a part-time, one-family venture, with the editor working as a fluorspar miner in County Durham, England. The editor expresses gratitude to members for their support and for sending news, letters, and cuttings, and asks members who haven't received replies to send a reminder.

Academy of Applied Science

This section reviews the 1976 season's work at Loch Ness as reported in the December 1976 issue of MIT Technology Review. Martin Klein, President of Klein Associates, Inc., brought a Klein Model 430 HYDROSCAN Side Scan Sonar, a system capable of both side scan and sub-bottom profiling. The equipment featured a new conical beam transducer for penetrating bottom sediments. Four sonar experiments were planned: probing sediment depth, studying loch wall structure, searching the loch floor for remains, and using a 'fixed-mode' in Urquhart Bay to track activity. However, Harold Edgerton of MIT was already conducting similar experiments at Temple Pier, allowing the team to focus on other tasks using a 33 ft cruiser named Malaren. A crucial aspect was establishing a precise navigation system using two compasses for land bearings and boat heading, recorded with an 'event mark' on the sonar trace.

Initial runs east to west across the narrow part of the loch suggested a 'U' shaped floor beneath sediment layers, contrary to some 'V' shaped theories. The team then focused on searching for bones and remains, drawing on tests conducted in the U.S.A. using mammoth bones. The search targeted shallower regions of the loch, which were difficult to investigate due to steep underwater walls and limited detailed hydrographic charts. Data from an old bathymetric survey by Sir John Murray (1903) aided in identifying target areas in Urquhart Bay, Dores Bay, Lochend, Borlum Bay, and near Cherry Island.

Significant findings included strange stone circles at Lochend at different depths, a previously unnoted object in Urquhart Bay near Temple Pier (distinct from a known wrecked sailing ship), and what appeared to be a three-sided square structure, a 'crannog', near Cherry Island. The loch walls revealed complex geology with ridges and undercuts, consistent with 1970 observations, including a square opening near Invermoriston. Surprisingly, an intact PBY Flying Boat, an American-built aircraft operated by the R.A.F. (known as 'Catalina'), was found in about 30 meters of water.

One of the most intriguing finds occurred in Borlum Bay, where sonar detected an object on the bottom at approximately 100 meters depth. It was described as carcass-like with a long neck-like projection, about 10 meters long, requiring further examination, possibly with underwater television or a submersible.

Full reports of the 1976 work are available from MIT Technology Review. The issue also mentions the availability of earlier reports from March/April 1976.

Sightings

Inverness & Highland News Report: A February 17th report details a sighting by Mr. C. Davenport and his daughters Wendy and Julie. Wendy saw a tail thrashing and a hump in the water, which disappeared as others looked. Mr. Davenport noted a swirl and submergence, while Julie saw a hump. The family suggested the object was much larger than an otter, given its visibility at 50 yards.

An 'almost' Sighting: Philip Marlow recounts an experience with his brother Kevin during a visit to Loch Ness. While on a hill overlooking Fort Augustus, Kevin spotted a wake. Focusing binoculars, Philip saw three objects appear, which he initially thought might be the monster. However, when the objects dived and reappeared, swimming in different directions, doubts arose, and they were concluded to be ducks. Philip suggests this experience highlights the importance of observation and questions how many sightings might be attributed to water birds.

Waterspouts and Water-Devils

This section discusses false sightings, referencing two copies of the Journal of Meteorology sent by editor Dr. G.T. Meaden. Dr. Meaden's article, "Meteorological Explanation for some of the Mysterious Sightings on Loch Ness and Other Lakes and Rivers," examines waterspouts and water-devils. Waterspouts are described as funnel-shaped clouds from storm-clouds causing violent water commotion. Water-devils, less known but analogous to dust-devils, can form in various conditions, including when dust-devils move over water or due to cooler air masses. They can create significant spray, leading to misidentification. An example from North Wales on April 6th, 1872, describes a small waterspout on the River Elwy, lasting 70-80 seconds.

Dr. Meaden analyzes reported sightings, noting similarities with water-devil phenomena but stressing that not all reports are water-devils. He advises considering them when examining new sightings.

Lake Champlain

Mr. Zarzynski and Mr. Bierman are finalizing a report on the Lake Champlain mystery, expected in late March or early April, available from an address in Endicott, N.Y.

Loch Morar

The Loch Morar 1976 report is being sent to all members, with overseas members receiving it separately.

Underwater

Michael Alston is undertaking a project to build an unmanned submarine equipped with closed-circuit television and hopes for sonar. He is seeking assistance and can be contacted at the Central City Hotel, Central Street, London E.C.1.V8DS. He plans to be at Loch Ness in July and November.

Fortean Times

The editor acknowledges receiving copies of "Fortean Times," a magazine dealing with strange phenomena, and provides contact information for R.J.M. Rickard.

Conclusion and Subscription Information

The issue concludes by reminding members that contributions of news and letters are needed. Subscription rates are £1.25 for the U.K. and $7.00 for the U.S.A. and Canada. The editor's address is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigation into the Loch Ness Monster through scientific methods like sonar, the documentation and analysis of various sightings (both potentially genuine and those with meteorological explanations), and the broader exploration of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is one of diligent investigation, encouraging member participation, and providing a platform for reporting findings from scientific endeavors and eyewitness accounts, while also offering rational explanations for some phenomena.