Nessletter - No 062 - 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
Issue: No. 62
Date: February, 1984
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 0264-7001
Theme: Loch Ness Monster, UFOs, Cryptozoology, Investigation

Editors Piece

The editor reflects on the tenth anniversary of the Nessletter and Ness Information Service (NIS), which began in early 1974. The initial aim was to provide value for money and a worthwhile service to members. The editor acknowledges the significant help received from Tim Dinsdale and Nick Witchell in the early days. Despite the passage of time and numerous thank you notes from members, the central mystery of Loch Ness remains unsolved, which the editor finds 'very disappointing'.

The piece recounts key research efforts and sightings over the years. The Academy of Applied Science, led by Bob Rines, had success with 'flipper' photographs in 1972 and came close in 1975 with a series of photos showing what might be the fore end of a body with appendages, and a fuzzy head. These photos, while intriguing, are open to interpretation.

Another significant event was Tony (Doc) Shiels' sighting on May 21st, 1977, near Castle Urquhart, where he photographed what appeared to be the head and neck of a large animal sticking out of the water. Although the photos were startling, they were still images and naturally drew doubts. Shiels swore out an affidavit, leaving the possibilities of him being a liar, misinterpreting an ordinary object, or having captured genuine photographic evidence.

On August 22nd, 1977, Mr. and Mrs. Smith witnessed and filmed a periscope-like object with a thick rectangular head and long neck rising from Loch Ness. The object surfaced four times, and the Smiths managed to film three of these occurrences with a super 8 cine camera. The sighting lasted about ten minutes and was also witnessed by two other people, including someone in a rowing boat.

The editor discusses the limitations of photographic evidence and the inconclusive nature of some other photographs over the ten years. Scientific expeditions are mentioned, with the Japanese effort being highlighted as particularly publicity-driven, ultimately concluding no evidence was found. The Iscan Project, which operated for four months, also failed to obtain positive results, despite monitoring a small portion of the loch.

A positive development noted is the re-emergence of a large, volunteer-manned group, the Loch Ness & Morar Project, under Adrian Shine's guidance. They are using sonar for research, aiming to actively hunt for the animals, as long-range photography has proven unproductive. However, the editor points out the imprecision of sonar, citing examples of navies failing to track submarines in fiords. The Project also faced hostility, with a fire bomb thrown at their boat, though no damage or injury occurred.

The editor expresses hope for the upcoming season, with the Academy of Applied Science returning for underwater work and the Project continuing sonar surveillance. NIS members and other independent hunters will also be watching the surface.

The editor thanks members for their support and encourages them to share news and views. The NIS is also seeking new members.

NIS at the Lochside

This section details recent visits by NIS members to Loch Ness and Loch Morar. Doug Macfarlane and his family visited Loch Ness six times in 1983, including short stays and a caravan trip. They also visited Loch Morar. Doug has acquired a 10-foot glassfibre dinghy for photographic purposes and plans to investigate Loch Lomond based on a tip from a former works manager who reported unusual sightings there.

Roger Acraman and his brother Rob visited the loch in mid-September, covering approximately 1800 miles by car. They interviewed a local woman who had a sighting years ago. Roger found Ron Binns' book on the subject well-written but did not share its conclusions. They also encountered large, hairy flies on the south shore.

Ian Whitlock visited the loch in July and spent time watching from secluded spots, hiring a boat from the Inchnacardoch Hotel without success. He heard a report from a youth hostel assistant warden about a large bubble, about 2.5 feet in diameter and 3 feet high, bursting near his canoe. Ian also met NIS member Roland Watson.

Roland Watson's report mentions his correspondence with Ian Whitlock and his own trip to the loch. He found Frank Searle's account questionable, considering at least one photograph a fake, but believes Searle must have seen something during his decade of watching.

Roland also visited Loch Morar, encountering only horse-flies. Regarding the 1975 Academy photographs, Roland believes the 'head' photo is uncharacteristic, possibly a model, but the 'body' photo is too coincidental to be anything but an animal, though he is unsure if it shows the underside or thorax/neck. He also elaborated on his 'Tulpa hypothesis', stating that thought forms are as solid as reality.

John Essex visited the loch in September and spoke with locals who had sightings in Urquhart Bay (1981) and near Dores (1982), both involving large backs that sank quickly. He also mentioned Jim's theory that Nessie could be a leech.

Miles Cato is seeking someone to join him for a two-week trip to Loch Ness between July and September, for someone around twenty years old.

Robert Dorion

Robert Dorion writes about his experiences and thoughts. In June 1983, he attended the first meeting of the Cryptozoological Society in New York City, with notable figures like Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans present. Robert, who lives in Guatemala, hosted Heuvelmans in 1969/70 while searching for the 'Sissimite' (a local Yeti). He previously worked as a professional shark fisherman until a large shark caused a spinal injury, but he recovered and continued catching sharks for institutions like the Smithsonian. He notes that bull sharks can swim up rivers. Robert also found a 14-foot Great White shark tooth inland in Maya material, prompting thoughts about Mayan mythological monsters. His interest in Loch Ness dates back to around 1970, and he met Sir Peter Scott in 1977. He makes two key points: that important material may come from unexpected sources, and that technology developed for Loch Ness could be useful elsewhere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the ongoing, yet inconclusive, investigation into the Loch Ness Monster. The editorial stance is one of persistent inquiry, acknowledging the difficulties and frustrations but maintaining hope for future discoveries. There's a clear emphasis on witness accounts, photographic evidence, and the use of technology like sonar, while also recognizing the limitations and potential for misinterpretation. The publication serves as a platform for members to share their experiences and research, fostering a sense of community among independent investigators. The issue also touches upon broader cryptozoological interests and the scientific challenges in studying unexplained phenomena.