NESSLETTER

Magazine Overview

This issue of NESSLETTER, number 64, published in June 1984 by the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE, features a variety of reports and discussions related to unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on lake monsters and eyewitness accounts.

Ulrich Magin: German Lake Monster Reports

Ulrich Magin, a member from Germany, shares his findings on lake monster reports in his country. He notes that there are few reports of 'alien' animals in Germany, with the exception of Pumas. The most significant report concerns a lake monster in the 'Zwischenahner Meer' near Bad Zwischenann, Niedersachsen. The first sighting was on April 26, 1979, by two policemen who saw a 10 ft long slimy back. Initially disbelieved, the sightings increased, and strange events like a dog vanishing were reported. Peter Grunke investigated and found that descriptions matched a 'Wels,' a catfish introduced into the lake in 1938. A reward for catching the fish led to crowds of anglers and sightseers. Ulrich is unsure if the fish was caught but heard of a 10-foot specimen caught in the Trintsee in the German Democratic Republic. He suggests that similar fish could be responsible for sightings in landlocked lakes in the U.S.A. Magin also recounts his own experience at Loch Ness in 1982, where he thought he saw a head and neck sighting near Altsaigh, but later concluded it was an 'eye floater.' He questions if Nessie could be attracted by light, expressing doubt that the Academy of Applied Science would have had limited success if this were the case. He references Tim Dinsdale's book 'The Leviathans' for reports of luminous sea serpents and a Times article about Mr. Beebe's sighting of a strange, glittering monster near the Bermudas, which he believes was likely a deep-sea fish or squid. Ulrich has a copy of Tim Dinsdale's 'Loch Ness Monster' (3rd ed., 1976) for sale or exchange and is seeking books by Constance Whyte and Holiday.

Alastair Boyd: Disappointment and Eyewitness Evidence

Alastair Boyd, who with Sue will be attending the loch in July and August, expresses disappointment with a press statement by Rikki Razdan and Alan Keiler that denied evidence for the Loch Ness animals. He feels this will reinforce public disbelief. Boyd recounts his own sighting of a hump in July 1979, which he described to the investigators. He was asked to estimate the size of the Academy raft, judging the height correctly but underestimating the length and breadth. Boyd emphasizes that eyewitness accounts, not photographs or films, led him to believe Loch Ness is worth visiting. He understands why genuine sightings are more numerous than genuine photographs, citing his own experience of leaving his camera in the car during a sighting. He suggests that car stickers could help publicize the NIS.

Wake Sighting: Jim Skeldon's Observation

This section details a sighting by Jim Skeldon, who lives in Dores. On the evening of June 10, 1984, at 11:05 p.m., he observed a narrow wake on Loch Ness moving from South to North. Using 10x50 binoculars from an elevated position, he noted the wake was about 3-4 feet wide with nothing visible on the surface. The wake moved in a straight line for twelve minutes, progressing across the bay towards Tor Point. The loch surface was mirror calm. Skeldon calculated the wake's speed at 2.727 mph and determined the arc of travel. He questions what the cause could be, considering a water bird but noting that no shape was visible at the head of the wake. He also considers an otter but questions its habit of swimming so far on the surface. The late evening time aligns with the nocturnal habits of otters. Skeldon was surprised by the wake's speed, as it seemed much faster. The report draws a parallel to a similar wake observed by Jeoff Watson in September 1978, where another observer thought they saw a 'fin-like' object.

Sighting 1981: John Grimshaw's Account

Tim Dinsdale reports an account from John Grimshaw, aged 13 at the time, of a sighting on August 6, 1981, during a family drive along the eastern shore of Loch Ness. Between two blocks of trees, they saw a large hump and neck, but no head, for a few seconds. John's father, Rev. P. Grimshaw, missed the sighting as he was watching the road. John's sister also missed it, but John, his mother, and another sibling saw it. John, familiar with seals and porpoises, was certain it was not a marine mammal. He noted that a 'Sunday Post' letter described a similar sighting at the same time, place, and date. Dinsdale confirms the weather conditions were good on that date.

Wellington Aircraft in Loch Ness

Plans are underway to film a documentary about raising a Wellington aircraft from the bottom of Loch Ness. The aircraft, located in over 200 feet of water, was discovered in 1977 or '78 by a team from Heriot Watt University. It has been dived on by the Royal Navy for training and filmed with a light-intensifying camera, showing it to be remarkably well-preserved. An Aberdeen salvage firm, with assistance from Heriot Watt University, intends to raise it in early September. Midas Promotions and Network News will film the operation. If successful, it is hoped that an appeal will raise £100,000 to make the aircraft airworthy. The report notes that only one other example of this aircraft exists, at the R.A.F. Museum in Hendon.

Doc Shiels: Retirement from Monster Hunting

Doc Shiels provides an update on his 'elephant squid' theory and shares a piece of information about Ted Peters lassoing a live octopus in West Virginia in 1946. He also mentions a photograph of Nessie taken by a woman in September 1983, which he describes as good but with suspicious circumstances. Shiels announces his retirement from actively hunting water monsters, stating that he will no longer be involved with the Loch Shiel Investigation Group. He wishes to devote his time to other interests not related to cryptozoology.

At the Lochside: Roland Watson's Plans and Log-Keeping

Roland Watson plans to visit Lochs Oich, Quoich, and Arkaig from July 18th to 22nd, arriving at Loch Ness on July 23rd, and staying at Altsigh Youth Hostel until July 29th. He will be on the western side of the loch and can be identified by a young man with a red racing bicycle. The author and their family will be at the loch from July 22nd to August 3rd, based at the old pier at Abriachan, with their vehicle being a White Bedford Dormobile CXG 583K named 'NELLIE' with NIS logos. A warning is issued about midges, and the author recommends 'Ole Time Woodsman's Jungle Formula' as an efficient deterrent. The importance of keeping a log-book is stressed, detailing weather, surface conditions, boats, and relevant comments to build a useful record. The author also advises carrying a camera at all times and using it to photograph birds, driftwood, and unusual wave formations. The report mentions new coach services to Inverness and the introduction of a 125' high-speed British Rail service. A visit to the Loch Ness Centre at Drumnadrochit Hotel is recommended, noting its renovation and exhibition of over 40 exhibits, including models, photographs, and videos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NESSLETTER consistently promotes the investigation of unexplained phenomena through eyewitness accounts and careful documentation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging members to share their observations and experiences. There is a clear emphasis on gathering evidence, taking detailed notes, and utilizing photography. The publication also serves as a platform for members to connect, share resources, and discuss theories. The retirement of Doc Shiels marks a shift for some long-term investigators, but the focus on continued research and information sharing remains evident.