Nessletter - No 027 - 1978

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Ness Information Service Nessletter, number 27, dated April 1978, focuses on a variety of topics related to Loch Ness and its surrounding areas, including a notable rescue incident, theories about the Loch Ness Monster, and local fishing reports.

Loch Rescue

The lead story details a rescue operation that occurred on Good Friday. Seven people, including a twelve-year-old daughter, were on board a hired cruiser named 'Glen Ellen' from Great Glen Cruisers, Dochgarroch. While heading towards Fort Augustus, the boat experienced engine trouble in poor weather and rough water, causing it to drift back towards Lochend. Two distress rockets were fired and spotted by Mr John Menzies of Temple Pier in Urquhart Bay, who initiated action. A helicopter arrived, and a whinchman was lowered to the occupants, who were safe but seasick. Another cruiser was called to tow the 'Glen Ellen', and a rescue boat from Dochgarroch escorted both vessels to safer waters in Urquhart Bay. The cause of the engine trouble was identified as an airlock in the fuel system, which was subsequently cleared, allowing the party to continue their holiday.

This incident prompted reactions from two quarters. The Northern Constabulary raised concerns about the adequacy of the rescue services on the loch, noting that while an agreement existed with local boat owners for emergencies, the nearest available person at the time of the incident was in Drumnadrochit and could not be contacted. A senior police officer stated that a report was being prepared, recommending an increase in the number of rescue craft, and emphasized that "Conditions on Loch Ness can become very treacherous and this could have developed into a nasty situation."

Mr Hogan, President of the Caledonian Canal Leisure Craft Operators Association, criticized holiday-makers for misusing distress rockets. He advised that people experiencing engine trouble should use their drift anchors and wait for help, as other boats are usually present on the loch. He announced that a new directive would be issued to boat hirers, stating that "flares should only be used as a matter of life or death."

The author of the Nessletter acknowledges both points but feels Mr Hogan may have over-reacted. The author notes that for those unfamiliar with Loch Ness, the conditions can be surprising, with large waves, a lack of sheltered water, and few safe places to beach a boat. However, the water can also be calm, and caution is always advised due to its rapid changes.

Two Species

This section addresses a query from Mark Barden regarding evidence for two types of creatures in Loch Ness. The author expresses doubt about the evidence for even one creature being substantial but then discusses the 'Stewart' photograph. This photograph, taken by Mr Lachlan Stuart near Whitefield on July 14th, 1951, reportedly shows three sharply angled humps in choppy water, contrasting with the more common reports of smooth, rounded humps. This difference could suggest the presence of different types of animals. A theory is proposed that these creatures might have air sacs in their bodies, causing variations in their back contours. The author personally attributes such variations to differences between male and female or mature and immature animals, citing numerous examples in the animal kingdom.

Further discussion on this topic is prompted by a letter from Bill Paintin, who commented on a book about birds. The book discussed anatomical features, including air sacs beneath the skin, which aid buoyancy and conserve body heat, and how birds evolved from dinosaurs. Bill suggests that air sacs, particularly in aquatic forms, could explain the varied back curvatures reported in Loch Ness sightings. The author finds this a tenuous but interesting line of thought, given the many unanswered questions surrounding the phenomenon.

Books

This section provides updates and requests related to books concerning cryptozoology and local legends.

• A copy of 'Ogopogo' (N.I.S. 26) has been obtained and is described as a comprehensive account, noting similarities between drawings of 'backs' seen on Lake Okanagan and those associated with Loch Ness.
• A request is made for information on where to obtain copies of 'More Than A Legend' and 'Beneath the Depths' by Arlene Gael.
• Patrick McCullough from Trumbull, USA, recommends 'A Pictorial History of Sea-Monsters and Other Dangerous Marine Life' by James Sweeny, which he found to be a good deal at $5.98 for 372 illustrations and 314 pages. He offers to purchase and send copies to interested individuals.
• Information is provided on obtaining Tim Dinsdale's map, available from him at 17 Blewbury Drive, Tilehurst, Reading, Berks., for £1.00 or P.O. It is also available from the Big Foot Information Centre, PO Box 777, Hood River, Oregon 97031, for $3.75 post paid.
• The Big Foot Information Centre also sends out a newsletter on Bigfoot.
• 'Fortean Times' magazine is recommended for those interested in strange happenings and unexplained phenomena, with subscription information provided for Box 152, London, N10 1EP, England.

Loch Morar

Adrian Shine reports on ongoing work at Loch Morar. Efforts are underway to stimulate scientific interest in the area, with plans for university students to conduct studies. The research aims to investigate the loch's geology, including when it became freshwater and the extent of glacial action. Cores of the loch bottom will be taken, revealing that some shallower areas have little silt, while deeper areas contain clay. Plant life studies last year showed that Loch Morar is a typical Scottish loch, with plants found down to 30 feet. A British record was set with the discovery of Charaphyts, a rigid plant, at 70 feet, suggesting water clarity allows it to grow at extreme depths.

Last year's sonar experiments showed promise, but calibration issues prevented definitive success. Adrian hopes for a permanent research station with dedicated sonar and video equipment. He expresses gratitude for the help and loaned equipment received over the years but notes that limited time and the need to learn new gear are challenges. He also highlights the difficulty of assembling equipment from various sources. The work will continue this season with low publicity, starting in late July.

Fishing

Reports indicate that the spring salmon run has been the best in over twenty-five years. On the River Ness at Dochfour, eight salmon were caught in one week, compared to nine for the entire period from January to June last year. Catches on Loch Ness have also been significant, with an estimated 400 salmon caught so far this season. The Nessletter suggests that Loch Ness holds many brown trout, with some medium-sized ones (5-8lb) caught annually by salmon anglers. A fishing correspondent proposes that larger trout feed on char shoals, and trolling at depths of 80 to 100 feet could yield a British record-breaking fish of twenty pounds or more. The existence of char shoals is accepted, but few have been caught, with Bob Rines' work last year being the closest to proving their quantity.

Members and Subscriptions

This section includes a request from a new member, Hilary Green, for a list of member addresses. It also provides contact details for other members: Jera Miah in Boston, USA, and Glenn W. Storrs in Poughkeepsie, USA, who plans to visit Loch Ness and Loch Morar from mid-June to mid-August. Paul Covell, working at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, is also mentioned as being available to meet visitors and plans to visit Loch Ness before September.

The editor, 'Rip', requests news and views from readers and provides his address at Huntshieldford, St Johns Chapel, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL13 1RQ. Subscription rates are listed as £1.75 for the UK and $7.00 for North America, with other areas available on application.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include maritime safety and rescue operations on Loch Ness, the ongoing mystery and scientific investigation of the Loch Ness Monster (with a focus on potential variations in sightings), and the natural resources of the region, such as its fishing potential. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, acknowledging the dangers of the loch while also encouraging scientific exploration and critical thinking about anecdotal evidence. The editor encourages reader participation by soliciting news and views, indicating a community-focused approach to information dissemination.