Nessletter - No 160 - 2013

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NESS INFORMATION SERVICE NESSLETTER, number 160, dated October 2013, focuses on recent events and historical research related to Loch Ness and other cryptozoological phenomena. The publication, with ISSN 0204-7001, is produced by R.R. Hepple and serves as a platform for enthusiasts to share news, views, and thoughts.

Geriant Gibson's Loch Ness Incident

The lead article details an incident involving Geriant Gibson, an enthusiastic researcher of Loch Ness. During a trip on June 27, 2013, accompanied by friends, Gibson found himself in the 'wrong place' again. While he was meeting Ricky MacDonald, who runs the 'Royal Scot' tourist boat, his friends had a sighting and managed to get a photograph of a low, dark, hump-like object, estimated to be 6 to 8 feet long and a foot high in the middle. The sighting occurred near Inverfarigaig. Gibson only saw the photograph later and was excited, but it was subsequently revealed to be a hoax. The photos were sent to a Loch Ness site, where Steve Feltham exposed them as fakes. Unfortunately, Gibson's name was associated with the photos, leading to accusations that he was involved in the hoax. He claims his friends played a prank on him and that he was not present for the photograph, but he was banned from a debate site and felt made to look foolish. The editor, Rip, prints Gibson's account, acknowledging his sincerity as an investigator but suggesting he might be too trusting.

George Edwards' Photograph and Hoaxes

The issue revisits George Edwards and his photograph, which was extensively covered in a previous Nessletter (NIS159). It is confirmed that Steve Feltham and others who suggested the photograph was a fake were correct. Mr. Edwards has confessed that he photographed a glass fibre hump, a prop made for a film about Nessie. The article notes that Edwards has joined the 'rogues gallery' with the surgeon who produced the 'best known Nessie image'. The editor questions the impact of such hoaxes on the allure of Loch Ness and expresses skepticism about Edwards' credibility as a researcher, given his admission. The article also touches upon another case of misguided work-mates having a laugh, contrasting it with Edwards' more serious deception. It is clarified that Dr. Wilson did not produce the surgeon's photograph but presented it, and the hoax was carried out by Marmaduke Wetherell and his associates.

Historical Research Methods at Loch Ness

The article delves into past research efforts at Loch Ness, drawing parallels with a BBC natural history program about Arabian Humpback whales. In the mid to late 1960s and early 1970s, research at Loch Ness relied heavily on eyewitness accounts and a few photographs, including Tim Dinsdale's film, which is considered the best proof of something large and unidentified in the loch, though it doesn't identify the creature. Sonar equipment was used but faced difficulties with the loch's underwater contours and thermoclines. The Loch Ness Investigation aimed to obtain proof through surface photography. Professor Roy Mackal devised a system to obtain tissue samples, developing a 'spear point' biopsy dart to be fitted to a harpoon or similar missile. This dart, machined from aluminum, was designed to take a substantial piece of skin or flesh. Mackal tested these darts successfully in a Chicago abattoir. The delivery systems considered were the Greener Harpoon Gun, fitted on Dan Taylor's 'Viperfish' yellow submarine, and a crossbow with a centre spool fishing reel. The biopsy darts had spring-loaded barbs and, in the case of the crossbow, four short 'fingers' to prevent undue penetration. The method of obtaining samples was termed 'night drifting', where expedition members would drift in a loch boat, hoping to encounter a creature on the surface.

Tony Healy and Australian Cryptids

An extract from NIS138 (1994) introduces the book 'Out of the Shadows, Mystery Animals of Australia' by Tony Healy and Paul Cropper. This book documents Australian mystery animals, including extinct ones like the Thylacine and reports of mainland Thylacines, as well as the Queensland Marsupial Tiger and Alien Bigcats. It also examines evidence for the 'Yowie' and the 'Bunyip', presenting forensic evidence, sketches, photographs, paw prints, and eyewitness accounts. The article notes that Tony Healy has visited Loch Ness twice and is considered a credible researcher. Healy and Cropper also co-authored 'The Yowie: In search of Australia's Bigfoot' (2006), a comprehensive book on the Yowie, drawing on over 300 eyewitness reports and exploring various explanations and theories rooted in Australian Aboriginal folklore.

Tony Healy's Visit and Val Moffat's Sighting

The current issue details a visit from Tony Healy in June 2012. Healy, who was on a prolonged trip to the UK, visited the editor at his home. During his visit, Healy recounted his research and shared an eyewitness account from Val Moffat. Val Moffat, who lives at 'Castleview' in Drumnadrochit, claims to be psychic. She reported a sighting with her friend Jenny in the early 2000s. At approximately 2 pm, they observed a single, well-proportioned hump in the water, about halfway across the mouth of Urquhart Bay. The object was not moving and submerged slowly. Jenny also reported seeing a seagull land on it and then quickly take off. Val described the hump as substantial, given its position. The article mentions Val Moffat's web address for further information. The editor notes that this sighting, while interesting, does not significantly add to the overall knowledge about Loch Ness creatures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights the ongoing challenges and frustrations in the pursuit of definitive proof for unknown creatures, particularly the Loch Ness Monster. The recurring themes include the prevalence of hoaxes and misidentifications, the evolution of research methods from anecdotal evidence and early photography to more sophisticated techniques, and the importance of credible eyewitness accounts. The editor, Rip, maintains a stance of cautious optimism, acknowledging the sincerity of researchers like Geriant Gibson while also emphasizing the need for skepticism and rigorous verification, as demonstrated by the analysis of the George Edwards photograph. The publication also broadens its scope to include cryptozoological phenomena beyond Loch Ness, such as Australian mystery animals, underscoring a general interest in the unexplained. The editorial also apologizes for the intermittent service of the Nessletter, attributing it to the 'usual situation' and encouraging readers to submit their news, views, and thoughts.