Nessletter

Magazine Overview

Title: Nessletter
Issue: No.33
Date: April 1979
Publisher: Ness Information Service
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Nessletter, dated April 1979, delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a significant focus on lake monsters and investigative efforts.

Lake Champlain Investigation

The lead article, 'Lake Champlain,' by Joseph Zarzynski, updates his four-year investigation into the 'Champ' phenomena. Zarzynski sent a copy of an article from the Spring issue of 'Vestigia' which summarized his work. Lake Champlain, spanning Vermont, New York, and Quebec, is over 100 miles long and reaches a depth of nearly 400 feet. Zarzynski's investigation methods include shore-watching, aboard-schooner camera-watches, personal interviews, correspondence, newspaper research, and attending lectures. His investigation has yielded 91 sightings, with 38 being 'longnecker' sightings (neck or head seen). Sightings date back to 1609, with the majority occurring in the 1970s (31 sightings), though only 8 of these were 'longnecker' types.

Zarzynski notes that while many sightings occur near population centers, the lake's immense size makes surface watching a 'longshot,' emphasizing the role of luck. Theories about the creatures suggest they are not plesiosaur-like like the Loch Ness Monster, but rather more snake-like or serpentine. Some sightings resemble hump formations. The creatures are estimated to be 18-30 feet long with a smaller body mass than Nessie, and are typically described as 'dark.' They are believed to be shy, possibly nocturnal, sediment dwellers, and potentially carrion feeders, which would explain their reluctance to surface.

In his conclusion, Zarzynski notes an alarming trend: only 26% of 1970s sightings were 'longneckers,' compared to 42% in the early 20th century and 19th century. He speculates that increased recreational boat traffic and a lack of ecological concern might lead to a decrease in sightings. However, he concludes that a community of animate, unidentified creatures resides in Lake Champlain and advocates for environmental protection.

Zarzynski thanks those who assisted him and plans to return to Lake Champlain in August 1979, with a potential two-week visit to Loch Ness in July.

Siberian Lake Monsters

The newsletter also reports on creatures in Siberian lakes. Lake Labinkir, in the Yakutia province, is the subject of an Associated Press report featured in 'The Oymyakonsky Meridian' by Anatoly Pankov. This cold, 150-foot deep lake is said to be home to a snake-headed, animal-eating creature. Sightings have been reported by locals, geologists, and hunters, but the creature has eluded scientific explorers. Pankov recounts a 'trustworthy' sighting from the 1950s where geologists heard a splash and saw a long-necked creature emerge. Other reports include geologists seeing a long, grayish animal under thin ice, and reindeer herders witnessing a bird being snatched from the surface by large jaws. Expeditions mounted in the 1960s after a 'Pravda' article yielded no conclusive results. Biologists speculate the creature could be a dinosaur descendant or a giant northern pike, known for being carnivorous and aggressive. Local Siberians have warned against crossing the lake by canoe due to the risk of the creature overturning craft.

Additionally, a remote lake called Kok-Kol in southern Kazakhstan is reputed to host a strange 15-foot long serpentine creature.

Loch Ness Expedition and Dolphin Research

The 'McClymont & Townrow Expedition' section provides an update on an expedition to Loch Ness during July and August 1978. Alan McClymont and his wife, along with Peter Townrow, conducted daily watches but were hampered by bad weather. They interviewed local eyewitnesses, including one who reported a sighting near the Clansman Hotel twelve years prior. Peter Townrow submitted a report to his works magazine detailing the expedition. They used 8mm and 35mm cine cameras, 35mm still cameras with telephoto lenses, and sophisticated sound recording equipment. Despite 21 days on the loch, the weather was poor, limiting equipment use. The hydrophone picked up boat propeller sounds, and cameras were only set up six times, with limited success.

Alan and Trisha stayed on for another week, borrowing a 16mm camera. Although the weather improved, Nessie did not appear. Alan doubts he can return this year, but Peter hopes to use new equipment, including large water tanks for developing underwater gear.

News also emerges that dolphins are to be used in the hunt for the Loch Ness Monster, a scheme organized by the Academy of Applied Science. This follows unsuccessful attempts using shore-based observation, underwater cameras, and sonar. Dolphins are chosen for their intelligence, trainability, sonar ability, speed, and agility. The primary challenges include Loch Ness's freshwater environment, low temperatures, and vast volume. The plan involves establishing holding tanks with correct temperature saltwater and transferring dolphins for limited periods. The dolphins' diet will be supplemented with vitamins. Harold 'Rusty' Nielson is training three dolphins (two females) in Florida, using sharks and sea turtles as targets. The dolphins have shown success in tracking, though their 'innovative' behavior, like bringing back a live shark, presents challenges.

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is monitoring the situation. Mr. Harknoss, chief inspector of the SSPCA, stated they have no objection, as the 'monster may turn out to be no more than a myth.' Nielson emphasizes his total control and responsibility, stating the project will be scratched if the animals' well-being is jeopardized.

NIS at the Lochside and Other Reports

'NIS at the Lochside' provides updates on members planning visits to Loch Ness. Ken Ward plans to visit for a week from May 27th, utilizing a half-fare train ticket. Jonathan Long will be there in June and July, based in the Foyers and Inverfarigaig area. Jean Borton will be around the loch in August, driving a white Ford Transit motorcaravan. The author and their family will also be at Abriachan for two weeks from July 22nd in a Bedford Dormobile named 'Nellie.'

'Tail Ends' includes several brief reports:

• Aircraft Wreck: In mid-March, a Royal Navy diving team investigated the wreck of a Wellington aircraft in over 200 feet of water near Lochend. The aircraft had been located by Heriot Watt University using sonar. The six-man crew parachuted out, with one fatality. The pilot and another crewmember landed safely in a dinghy. The plane is in good condition, though wooden fittings are decaying.
• BBC Film: A BBC film team, while en route to film in Glen Affric in late March, filmed a strange black object on the surface of Loch Ness. Examination revealed it to be a water bird.
• Exhibition: An exhibition by Philip Maltman, previously at the Battersea Arts Centre, will be shown at Jarrow from September 4th to 28th.
• Ted Holiday: Graham Snape suggests organizing annual intensive loch watches in memory of Ted Holiday, but the problem of gathering watchers has prevented this.

The newsletter concludes by inviting readers to send in news and views, providing contact details for subscriptions and general correspondence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing investigations into unexplained phenomena, particularly lake monsters, and the methods employed by researchers. There's a clear emphasis on empirical observation, eyewitness accounts, and scientific inquiry, even when dealing with subjects that border on the speculative. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging discussion and constructive criticism, while also advocating for the protection of potential undiscovered species and their habitats. The inclusion of diverse reports, from Siberian lakes to the practical application of dolphin technology, highlights a broad interest in cryptozoology and related mysteries.