Nessletter - No 087 - 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NEWSLETTER
Issue: NO 87
Date: APRIL 1988
ISSN: 0264-7001
Publisher: NESS INFORMATION SERVICE
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NEWSLETTER features a range of articles related to cryptozoology and unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on Loch Ness.

Ken Croal's Experience on Operation Deepscan

Ken Croal, a member of the NIS, shares his personal experience participating in Operation Deepscan. He and his wife joined the operation through family connections, crewing a boat that was part of the sweep of Loch Ness. Croal describes the trial run, the formation of the 'T' formation with other boats, and the emphasis on maintaining a disciplined operation for the press. He notes that while the operation was well-organized, he questions why the loch was not scanned from end to end as initially intended. Croal expresses that while he doesn't agree with all of Adrian Shine's interpretations, particularly regarding the 'Jurassic Reptile' theory, he admires Shine's ability to manage the complex exercise involving various agencies and media. He concludes that Deepscan was not meant to provide absolute proof but aimed to obtain sonar results of unidentified targets. Despite the skepticism he encountered upon returning, Croal found the experience exciting and looks forward to further information.

Miles Cato's Loch Ness Expedition

Miles Cato reports on his third solo expedition to Loch Ness, which took place from March 12th to 18th, 1988. He experienced varied weather conditions and found calm loch conditions conducive to watching. Cato emphasizes the value of one-man shows in gathering evidence but also highlights the challenges of limited equipment and area coverage, suggesting a return to concerted group watches. On his last day, while observing the far horizon, he noticed an orange boat and a black pole-like object. Initially excited, he believed it to be a significant find, but it turned out to be a large black bird, possibly a cormorant. Cato uses this experience to illustrate the importance of understanding potential misleading factors to better assess genuine sightings. He concludes that a coordinated effort is needed for future investigations.

Scientific Belief in Nessie: A Response to Steuart Campbell

Richard Greenwell, Secretary of the International Society of Cryptozoology, addresses points raised by Steuart Campbell regarding scientific belief in Nessie. Greenwell clarifies that a survey on scientific belief included physical anthropologists and chemists, but the key data came from marine and freshwater biologists. He states that nearly 40% of these biologists believed Nessie represented 'living animals still unknown to science.' Greenwell notes that a majority of these professionals believed scientists should research Nessie even if they doubted its existence and had read scientific literature on the topic. He suggests that biologists in the U.S. and Canada are not as negative as some proponents might believe and wonders about the results of a similar survey in Britain.

Steuart Campbell's Response

Steuart Campbell responds to points raised in previous newsletters, reiterating his views on the Scobie report. He suggests that his interpretation would be more valid if he had interviewed Mr. Scobie directly. Campbell maintains that the behavior reported by Mr. Scobie could be consistent with that of an otter, especially a hunting otter, and advocates for the simplest explanation. He questions the assertion that the object was too big for an otter. Campbell argues that while Mr. Scobie was convinced it wasn't flippers, he suggested it was the action of a diving otter's hindquarters. Campbell concludes by stating that scientists are needed to solve the Loch Ness mystery, implying he has already contributed significantly to this solution.

The Old Orkney Monster

Alastair Boyd shares an account from Lt. Col E M Malone, who encountered an unusual dead creature on a shingle beach in the Orkney Islands in September 1941. Malone described the animal as approximately 10 feet long, with a small horse-like head, a long neck, a dorsal hump, and flippers. He reported the find to the Kirkwall museum, but the body had been washed away by the tide by the time officials arrived. Alastair also mentions two other carcasses discovered at Deepdale and Hunda in 1941, described in Tim Dinsdale's books. He suspects these discoveries near the naval base at Scapa Flow indicate they were victims of World War II.

Expeditions

Paul Collins is organizing a fund-raising expedition to Loch Ness for two weeks in May to purchase a brain scanner for a local children's hospital. They have constructed a raft and plan to use a Volvo engine. At least three crew members are reportedly taking the monster hunt seriously. Peter Davenport plans to be at the loch in June/early July, driving a red Escort R.S. Turbo. The editor, RR Hepple, mentions his family's planned visit to Abriachan from July 23rd to August 4th in a blue Bedford motorcaravan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently features personal accounts of sightings and investigations related to Loch Ness and other cryptozoological mysteries. There is a recurring theme of debating the interpretation of evidence, with contributors like Steuart Campbell advocating for simpler, often mundane explanations, while others, like Ken Croal and Miles Cato, express a continued interest in the possibility of unknown creatures. The editorial stance appears to encourage the sharing of diverse viewpoints and firsthand experiences, while also providing a platform for scientific discussion and clarification, as seen in Richard Greenwell's response. The newsletter also highlights ongoing efforts and expeditions related to these subjects.