Nessletter - No 136 - 2000

Magazine Overview

Title: Nessletter
Issue: 136
Date: April 2000
Type: Newsletter

Editorial Reflection and Concerns

The editor, R.R. Hepple, opens with a personal piece titled 'RIP'S PIECE.', addressing the delay in publishing the Nessletter and explaining his personal circumstances. He expresses concern over a perceived shift in the approach of some newer Loch Ness researchers. He criticizes their willingness to accept and promote any sighting report, even dubious ones, suggesting this is driven by a desire for self-aggrandizement and publicity, potentially debasing the mystery and harming the credibility of serious research. He contrasts this with his own long-standing approach of advocating caution, careful analysis, and considering all possible solutions, referencing his own experiences since first visiting the loch 35 years ago and working with the L.N.P.I.B. and L.N.I. in the past.

He mentions his wife Doris's ongoing health issues, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which have increased his responsibilities at home and impacted his ability to dedicate time to the Nessletters. Despite this, he feels guilty for not meeting the readers' expectations for regular news and views.

Notable Researchers and Organizations

The editor acknowledges the contributions of others who have worked to bring respectability to the Loch Ness scene. He mentions the Loch Ness Investigation, Bob Rines and the Academy of Applied Sciences, and highlights Adrian Shine and the Loch Ness Project for bringing scientists from various disciplines to the loch and seeking explanations. He notes that the Simrad people first visited the loch through Adrian's project. He believes these efforts have elevated the investigation from a 'cartoon world' to a more serious, scientific endeavor.

Sighting Reports

1999: Described as a fairly barren year for acceptable sighting reports, with only vague stories that did not progress. The editor notes the interesting point that the prize for 'best Nessie sighting' was awarded retrospectively.

Robert Badger's 1971 Sighting: The 'best Nessie sighting' prize was awarded for an event in August 1971. Robert Badger, a volunteer with the LNI expedition, was doing underwater work on a new boat mooring off Temple Pier when he encountered an object described as rounded and about 20 feet in diameter, materializing from the gloom. The object appeared to be cruising and was estimated to be 6 feet in diameter. Badger surfaced quickly, describing the experience as 'flesh-eating' flashing through his mind. The report was filed as 'inconclusive'. The editor, who was on the LNI resident staff at the time, recalls Badger as a robust, no-nonsense individual and corroborates the account, though noting the paper's version gained a bit of 'flesh-eating' drama. He speculates if it could have been a trick of the dim light or some natural occurrence, noting it subdued Badger for the rest of his stay.

• 1999/2000 Sightings:
• New Year's Eve '99: Kevin Ross, with a military background, and his fiancee reported an 'upturned boat' some way off the shore by the Abriachan Pier.
• January 8th, 2000: John Catto and his fiancee reported seeing what appeared to be an upturned boat, about 15 feet from the shore and 5 feet tall, while driving near Drumnadrochit. The editor questions the change in measurement units and the report's vagueness.

Historical Incident: 1944 Naval Encounter

Vivian Owers' Account: The Inverness Courier reported on Vivian Owers, a former motor launch commander in the Royal Navy, recalling an incident from 1944. While practicing for D-Day landings in Loch Ness due to poor weather, one of the eight motor launches, H.M.M.L. 442, skippered by 'Digger' Dunn, struck something in the water. The launch returned with two of its three propeller blades lost. Owers stated there was no debris and they were convinced it was the Monster, as the propellers were powerful. An official report was made to the Admiralty, but due to a 50-year ban on disclosure of classified wartime information, Owers could not discuss it until now. The incident became a running joke within the 21st Flotilla.

Other Research and Personal Notes

Andreas Trottmann: The editor mentions receiving a copy of the Courier article from Andreas Trottmann and that Trottmann had contacted Mr. Owers. Trottmann also contacted Rontronics in Inverness regarding sonar sweeps, but only received promotional material.

Andreas's Boat: Andreas parted with his boat, 'The Witch of the Mist', which is now based at Dornoch for coastal fishing. The project became too costly, and he hopes to continue sonar research using a hired boat.

Editor's 1999 Visit: The editor describes his visit to Loch Ness in August 1999, involving deploying an underwater camera rig with Dick Raynor. He mentions meeting several NIS members and attending birthday parties.

New Videos: Two videos received from Dick Raynor are mentioned: 'The First Underwater Video' (showing the bottom of Urquhart Bay) and 'The First Time Lapse Video' (showing surface watching from Dores).

Subscriptions and Contact Information

Subscription rates are provided: UK £2.75, N. America $10.00 for at least six issues. The contact address for R.R. Hepple is 7 Huntshieldford, St John's Chapel, Weardale, Co Durham, DL13 1RQ. A website for Dick Raynor is also given: www.dickraynor.co.uk.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing investigation into the Loch Ness Monster, the challenges of credible research, and the personal experiences of those involved. The editor's stance is one of caution, skepticism towards sensationalism, and a commitment to scientific rigor, tempered by personal health challenges and a sense of responsibility to his readers. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing serious investigation from publicity-seeking behavior.