Nessletter - No 097 - 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: Nessletter
Issue: No 97
Date: December 1989 (April 1990)
Publisher: Ness Information Service
ISSN: 0264-7001

This issue of Nessletter delves into the analysis of the Chaffin video, a purported sighting of the Loch Ness Monster, and provides updates from various researchers and correspondents involved in cryptozoological and UAP investigations.

Analysis of the Chaffin Video

The main article, contributed by Alastair Boyder, critically examines the Chaffin video, which was featured in NIS 95. Boyder posits that the sighting is a clear case of 'expectant attention' leading to misidentification, citing Rupert Gould's theories. He provides examples of similar misidentifications, such as Erik Beckjord's 'plesiosaurs' that turned out to be ducks, and Tim Dinsdale being fooled by a swirl of waves. Boyder notes that the Chaffins had visited the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition prior to their experience and that Mrs Chaffin had a long-standing interest in the monster, suggesting a predisposition to see it. He analyzes John Chaffin's commentary on the film, where he initially identifies the object as a bird before his wife's excitement influences his perception. Boyder disputes Mrs Chaffin's description of the object zig-zagging rapidly and having a long body, stating the film shows the object moving only a few yards in one and a half minutes. He believes the Chaffins did not intentionally produce a hoax but were in a state of 'expectant attention'. Boyder also criticizes Dr Gordon Williamson's evaluation of the film, arguing that he made rash statements to the press based on viewing the film through the eyepiece of the Chaffins' camera, which compromises image quality. Williamson claimed to see an animal swimming, but Boyder contends the object was close to the shore and only a little way above the trees. He contrasts this with his own experience filming wildlife on the loch, noting that seals and other animals do not hold their heads as high or for as long as described. Boyder dismisses the possibility of it being a deer or dog swimming in the bay, citing local resident testimony. He concludes that while the film quality does not permit absolute certainty, the behavior observed is consistent with water birds, and that accepting simple explanations is crucial for the credibility of Loch Ness research.

Researcher Updates and Sightings

Doug Macfarlane's Loch Ness Efforts: Doug Macfarlane reported on his 1989 activities at Loch Ness with his catamaran 'Topcat'. His search was delayed, launching on August 11th and sailing back on October 9th. He spent 82 hours using his sounder and 212 hours with his camera. Despite not finding significant targets, he considered it a good trial run for the following season, having identified and addressed several boat issues. He found the bow-mounted sounder transducer too fragile for cruising speeds, necessitating the use of an older sounder arm towed by a dinghy. He sailed approximately 500 miles and spotted only one large fish, a basking shark. Macfarlane also commented on the Chaffin video, stating it was difficult to identify the object, which sometimes looked like a flock of divers but on one occasion more substantial, concluding it was not unambiguous.

Submersible Trial in Loch Ness: The issue mentions a trial run of a submersible in Loch Ness by Aberdeen-based company AOSC. The company produced 70 mini-subs, with the latest being 8 feet long and equipped with video cameras and robot arms. The submersible was tested in Loch Ness to avoid stormy North Sea conditions. Technicians at Brackla, near the Ciansman Hotel/Marina, corrected technical issues and were pleased with its handling and data relay capabilities. The submersible's maiden voyage is planned for a sunken Spanish treasure galleon site in Florida. The article notes the potential for such craft to survey Loch Ness extensively but acknowledges the high cost as a barrier.

Miles Cato's Loch Ness Visit: Miles Cato spent seven days at Loch Ness in August 1989, reporting poor weather and spending more time sightseeing than watching the water. He also visited Loch Morar. Cato observed that the Highlands region, particularly around Drumnadrochit, seemed increasingly over-commercialized. His visit was unproductive in terms of sightings.

Ulrich Magin's European Tour: Ulrich Magin, publisher of the Bilk newsletter from Germany, undertook his annual 'holiday letter' detailing his shortest British trip to date. He visited several Scottish lochs, including Loch Ness, Oich, Lochy, Linnhe, and Lomond, seeing nothing unusual. He did, however, see a fully rigged 2-masted sailing ship on the Caledonian Canal.

• Other Correspondents:
• Frank Searle and Doc Shiels: Ulrich Magin's work is mentioned in the context of German close encounters with UFO pilots. His booklet is described as listing about 80 cases and exploring myth development. The article notes criticism of the Loch Ness Exhibition from an 'established monster hunter and researcher', hinting that Frank Searle's photographs are presented as hoaxes and Doc Shiels' pictures are questionable, while Lachlan Stuart's and Cockrell's photos are not explicitly debunked.
• Ulrich's Question: Ulrich posed a question about a standing stone near Invermoriston, asking if it is ancient or modern.
• Lake Bala and New Quay: Ulrich visited Lake Bala (Llyn Tegid) in Wales, finding it crowded with watercraft and unlikely to harbor a monster. He also visited New Quay, where he saw wild dolphins, a first for him.
• Broad Haven: Ulrich spent time in Broad Haven, the site of the 1977 Dyfed UFO-wave.
• Janet and Colin Bord: Ulrich had an enjoyable visit with Janet and Colin Bord in Wales.

Jim Green's Loch Ness Visit: Jim Green, accompanied by his son, visited Loch Ness in September 1989 after a long absence due to ill health. He noted the increasing commercialization of the loch and found the exhibitions confusing. He missed the 'old days' but still considered it an 'enchanting place for we 'believers'.'

Antony Sharret's Observation: Antony Sharret observed from Foyers Point, reporting no Nessie but numerous low-flying jets. He remarked on the seasonal change in the loch's appearance from summer green to autumn brown.

Sighting Report: The Inverness Courier reported a sighting on Monday, April 23rd, 1990. Michael Davies, his brother Trevor, and friend Jimmy MacIntyre reported seeing a large head and neck about a quarter of a mile away while fishing on the loch at Lower Foyers. They did not have a camera.

Andreas Trottmann's Note: Andreas Trottmann commented on the perspex barrel mentioned in NIS 95, suggesting it could be a sonar point of reference for calculating a ship or submersible craft's position. He also noted that the white substance might be a drying agent and that a simple hoax should not be excluded.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis of purported evidence for the Loch Ness Monster, emphasizing the role of psychological factors like 'expectant attention' and the need for rigorous scientific evaluation. The magazine highlights the increasing commercialization of Loch Ness and provides updates on various researchers' activities and observations. The editorial stance, as expressed through Alastair Boyder's commentary, leans towards skepticism regarding anecdotal evidence and visual recordings, advocating for caution and favoring simple explanations when available. The publication also touches upon UFO phenomena, suggesting an overlap in the investigation of unexplained sightings.