Nessletter - No 075 - 1986

Magazine Overview

This issue of NESS INFORMATION SERVICE (Nessletter No. 75), dated April 1986, is a UK-based publication focusing on the Loch Ness Monster and related phenomena. The issue is primarily dedicated to a detailed analysis and critique of the official report on the Tim Dinsdale film of an alleged Loch Ness Monster.

Correction and Apology

The issue begins with a correction and apology regarding a previous article by Steuart Campbell. The article mistakenly cited the British Journal of Photography instead of The Photographic Journal and gave an incorrect publication date. The editor apologizes for any confusion caused to members trying to locate the article.

Steuart Campbell's Critique of the JARIC Report

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to Steuart Campbell's detailed examination of the Joint Air Intelligence Centre (UK) report on the Tim Dinsdale film, shot on April 23, 1960. Campbell takes issue with several points in the nineteen-paragraph report.

Measurement Discrepancies

Campbell challenges the JARIC's acceptance of the Observation Post (OP) being 300 feet above the loch. He argues that JARIC misinterpreted the Ordnance Survey map, taking the difference between the OP and sea level as the difference between the OP and the loch's water level, which he states is only 75.4m. He also notes the use of metric units by JARIC and himself, suggesting Imperial units might be easier for comparison.

Film Sequence Analysis

Campbell's primary criticism revolves around JARIC's failure to recognize that the film sequences were not continuous. He points out that the Dinsdale film, lasting about four minutes in total, was filmed in segments, with pauses for rewinding the camera. JARIC appears to have treated the film as a single, unbroken sequence.

Speed and Distance Calculations

Campbell argues that JARIC's speed estimates, particularly the conclusion that the object was moving at or approaching 10mph, are flawed because they did not account for the breaks in filming. He suggests that the object's speed was likely closer to 7mph or less. He also questions JARIC's assumption about the line of sight on the map, proposing that the first sighting in the film might be the first frame, not when Tim Dinsdale first saw the object. This, he claims, explains Tim's apparent misjudgment of the object's distance.

JARIC's Response and Campbell's Counter-Argument

Campbell notes that JARIC compounded their mistakes by re-examining the film in 1980 and endorsing their 1966 report. He believes JARIC made fundamental errors and drew arbitrary conclusions. The editor, R R Hepple, however, offers a different perspective. He suggests that JARIC's method of studying individual frames does not necessarily require accounting for the overall time of the sequence, and their findings could still be accurate. Hepple also shares his own experience viewing the Dinsdale film, stating with certainty that the object filmed was not a boat.

Sea Serpent Sightings and Theories

The issue also explores theories and sightings related to sea serpents, which are presented as potentially relevant to the Loch Ness Monster phenomenon.

The Long-Necked Seal Theory

Robert Cornes writes, suggesting that the 'Long-Necked Seal' theory, pioneered by Dr. A.C. Oeudmans and Dr. Bernard Heuvelmans, has been overlooked. He provides three accounts of sea-serpent-like creatures from Heuvelmans' book 'In the Wake of Sea Serpents'.

• Tasmania, 1913: A prospector and his mate reported a 15ft creature with a small head, a thick arched neck, four legs, and fur resembling a chestnut horse. It moved by bounding and could rear up.
• Iceland, November 1984: The quartermaster of the Corinthian described a creature with a great head, long fin-like ears, blue eyes, and a 20ft neck resembling a giraffe. It had three-horned fins and a body like a seal or sealion, with short, water-smoothed fur. It was described as having a tender, injured, and fearful state.
• Orkneys, Scotland: A Scottish lawyer on a cod fishing boat reported a creature with a long, thin neck as thick as an elephant's foreleg, rough like elephant hide. It had a dog-like head with black whiskers and eyes. The neck extended 5-6ft out of the water, and the animal was shy, keeping its head up and down, and swam alongside the boat.

Cornes posits that these creatures are likely warm-blooded mammals, possibly highly developed pinnipeds, well-adapted for swimming and staying submerged. He notes that a Weddell's seal was recorded to dive to 180ft for an hour.

Similarities and Movement

Robert Cornes believes there are similarities between illustrations of sea serpents and the 'Flipper' picture of the Loch Ness Monster. He also explains Arthur Grant's encounter near Abriachan Pier in January 1934, where an animal was seen stretching on the road, then springing up like a sea lion and disappearing. Cornes suggests that if sea serpents and lake monsters are the same, the long-necked seal offers an adequate explanation.

Eyewitness Accounts and Editorial Stance

The issue includes correspondence from various individuals sharing their experiences and opinions.

Terry Freshwater's Loch Ness Visit

Terry Freshwater and his son Ian visited Loch Ness in July 1985. Despite extensive surveillance, they did not have a sighting. During a cruise on the Caledonian Queen, the skipper, who had spent 50 years on the loch, stated he had never seen Nessie but believed in the Loch Ness Monster based on American research, suggesting it might be a giant eel. The skipper also vouched for the reliability of Alex Campbell.

Editor's Opinion on Steuart's Book

Editor R R Hepple expresses his opinion that Steuart has not been able to detract from the Dinsdale film's value as evidence. He mentions Steuart's upcoming book, 'Loch Ness Monster - the Evidence', and notes that Thorson's is advertising it as containing the best-ever photographs of something that does not exist, while pretending to be objective. He also mentions that one of his own photographs is being used on the cover.

Steuart's Use of the Word 'Attack'

Steuart explained his use of the word 'attack' in a previous issue, referencing definitions from the Concise Oxford Dictionary. He stated he used it in the sense of 'acting against with force,' 'seeking to hurt or defeat,' 'criticizing adversely,' or 'acting harmfully on,' and also 'beginning vigorous work on.' He clarified that he uses the word carefully and encourages private clarification requests.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical analysis of scientific reports concerning the Loch Ness Monster, the presentation of eyewitness accounts and alternative theories, and the ongoing debate about the nature of the phenomenon. The editor, R R Hepple, maintains a stance that the Dinsdale film remains significant evidence and expresses skepticism towards explanations that dismiss the visual evidence. The publication promotes a critical yet open-minded approach to the subject, encouraging reader contributions and providing information on related publications and events.

Other Information

• Alastair and Sue Boyd will be at Strone from July 26th to August 22nd.
• The editor plans to be at Abriachan Pier with his family from July 20th to August 1st, using a blue Bedford motorcaravan (FVY 811S).
• Scottish Highland Hotels are offering Family Ness weekends, though their hotels are not located near the loch.
• The newsletter's address is R R Hepple, Huntshieldford, St Johns Chapel, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL13 1RQ. Subscriptions are UK £2.50 and USA $7.00.