Nessletter - No 148 - 2005

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NESSLETTER, number 148, dated April 2005, features a personal update from the editor, details on a 'Giant Eel' sighting, historical fish records, a recent Loch Ness sighting, and news from NIS members.

Rip's Piece

The editor begins by apologizing for the delay in producing the Nessletter, citing personal reasons. His wife, Doris, suffered a heart attack on August 16th, 2004, requiring hospitalization and a lengthy recovery. This event, coupled with severe gales on January 7th, 2005, which blew off the extension roof and caused water damage, significantly disrupted his ability to write and organize his materials. He describes the chaotic state of his filing system and his makeshift workspace under a plastic tent.

Eels

The issue delves into a report from the Inverness Courier about a large eel sighting near Dores. In early 2004, three young women, including two Canadian visitors and a Scottish friend, described seeing an 'Anaconda' or an enormous eel, estimated to be 28 to 30 feet long, lying among rocks at the water's edge. They initially thought it was dead but then saw its tail move, causing them to flee. Upon returning to take photographs, they found it had disappeared.

This account was relayed to Christina Palmer, whose family friend was one of the witnesses. The article also references a previous sighting by Mrs. Macintosh Palmer in 1998, where she reported a large, black, slightly triangular hump, 40 to 50 feet in length, appearing and disappearing on the water. The editor had previously suggested this might have been their own wake.

Steve Feltham, an expert, suggested that the 'Giant Eel' sighting could be explained by lengths of alkathene pipe from a nearby fish-farm, which are black, about two to three inches in diameter, and can appear hump-like when washed ashore. He noted that about 60 feet of such pipe had been found in the water and on the shore.

However, Mrs. Palmer was certain the girls had not mistaken pipe for an eel, stating it was mobile. The editor acknowledges the possibility of large eels in Loch Ness but questions the details of the Dores sighting, particularly the lack of mention of 'bulk' or girth, and the witnesses' panicked reaction. He also notes that the pipe would likely still be present if it had been washed ashore.

Historical Fish Records

Brian Herring, a long-standing NIS member, contributes several historical newspaper reports concerning large fish sightings and captures in the region:

• October 16th, 1833 (Inverness Courier): An enormous Eel, 6ft long and 24 inches in circumference, weighing 48 pounds, was caught on the River Beauly.
• May 28th, 1857 (Inverness Courier): A Sturgeon, 6ft 3 inches long and weighing 62 pounds, was caught on the River Conon at Dingwall. This was noted as the only one in forty years.
• August 14th, 1812 (Inverness Journal): A Sturgeon, weighing 2 cwt (224lbs) and 10ft 10ins long, was caught in salmon nets on the River Conon.
• July 13th, 1871 (Inverness Courier): A Sturgeon, approximately 7ft long, 40 inches thick, and weighing 130/140lbs, was captured off Clachnaharry Pier. It was identified as female with 20lb of roe.
• November 2nd, 1871 (Inverness Courier): A 'Sun Fish' was found aground at Capelinch, weighing over half a ton, 7ft long, with a breadth of 7ft 8ins and a girth of 9ft 6ins.
• February 22nd, 1872 (Inverness Courier): A large Eel, weighing nearly 60lbs, 6ft long and over 2ft in girth, was caught at Kessock.
• March 17th, 1870 (Inverness Courier): A Sturgeon, about 4ft 8ins long, was caught in the Thurso River.
• September 6th, 1837 (Inverness Courier): A strange fish, described as flat, 48ins from nose to tail and 30ins wide, with shark-like mouth and horns, was caught off Bow Creek. Its identity was unknown to fishermen.

Brian also noted that the Scottish Fisheries Laboratory collected reports of exotic fish, including several Sturgeon caught in the Moray Firth, one measuring 3 metres long. Atlantic Sturgeon are now considered a threatened species.

The editor concludes that while these reports detail large eels, they are not the 'giant' creatures sometimes theorized for Loch Ness, and importantly, none were taken directly from the loch itself. He highlights the consistent mention of 'girth' in these reports, suggesting substantial size.

Sighting Report

A report from the Inverness Courier on August 20th, 2005, details a sighting by eighteen-year-old Tom Clegg. While travelling between Invermoriston and Fort Augustus on August 17th, he reported seeing three dark humps in the water, estimated to be three to five metres in length, with smooth skin, about 150 metres offshore. He watched them for five to six seconds before they submerged. Clegg was convinced it was an animal and not a boat wake, stating there were no boats in sight.

The editor, however, leans towards the boat wake explanation, agreeing with Steve Feltham that it is easy to be confused by wakes, especially when driving. He points out that visibility of the loch from the road is limited, and the craft causing the wake could have been out of sight by the time the humps were observed.

Andreas Trottman

Andreas, a Swiss NIS member, sent news including the passing of Dr. Gordon Powell, a long-time believer in Loch Ness phenomena, who died on February 14th, 2005, at the age of 94. Andreas had corresponded with Dr. Powell for many years.

Andreas also reported that in March 2005, several large seals were seen in the River Ness, Loch Ness, and the Oich estuary.

In July 2001, Andreas recorded a strange underwater 'singing' sound at Lower Foyers using a hydrophone. The tape was sent to two oceanographic institutes for analysis, but Marine Scientist Rodney Roundtree could not identify the source, comparing it only to a student attempting to sing underwater. Professor Paul LeBlond also reported a lack of response from colleagues at the University of Victoria.

Andreas is planning a trip to Loch Ness in August, possibly with his wife Angeia.

NIS at the Lochside

Val Smith, from Cardiff, will be at Loch Ness with his son Jonathan from June 25th to July 26th. They are staying with Steve and Heather Murray in Drumnadrochit.

The editor and his wife Doris plan to be at Loch Ness from July 23rd to August 5th. The first week will be at Foster's croft in Abriachan, and the second is provisionally booked in Drumnadrochit. The editor intends to park at the Old Abriachan Pier as in previous years.

Award

The Society for Scientific Exploration presented the 2004 Dinsdale Award to Dr. Robert H. Rines, founder of the Academy of Applied Science. The award recognizes significant contributions to the study of unexplained phenomena, noting Dr. Rines' pioneering work at Loch Ness, which included achieving underwater photographs of large unidentified animals.

Previous recipients of the award are listed, including Helmut Schmidt, Willian Coliss, Halton Arp, Ian Stevenson, Kilmer McCully, and William Roll, for their work in various scientific fields.

Concluding Remarks

The editor expresses relief that the Nessletter is finally completed. He mentions that a new roof has been laid and remedial work done on leaks, and he has cleared away the plastic sheeting and containers used during the storm damage. He anticipates redecorating and restoring normality, noting that fortunately, no important items were damaged by the clean rainwater.

He thanks the NIS members and reminds them to notify any change of address. Subscription details are provided: UK£3.00 and USA $10.00, with the contact address R.R.Hepple, 7 Huntshieldford, St John's Chapel, Weardale, Co Durham, DL13 1RQ, and phone number 01388 537359.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation into the Loch Ness Monster, with a focus on distinguishing potential sightings from misidentifications such as boat wakes or natural phenomena like large eels. The issue also touches upon the broader study of unexplained phenomena, as evidenced by the Dinsdale Award. The editor's personal narrative, detailing resilience in the face of personal and environmental challenges, underscores the human element behind such research. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, emphasizing the need for careful deliberation and critical analysis of evidence, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine mysteries.