The Biggest Loch Ness Monster Hunt Is Taking Place This Week

Monster hunters have convened in the Scottish Highlands of the United Kingdom this weekend for a significant endeavor—the pursuit of the perpetually mysterious Loch Ness Monster. This marks the most extensive quest for the fabled creature in over half a century.

Beneath the glistening surface of Loch Ness, there is said to reside Nessie, a mythical sea creature with a storied history of nearly 1,500 years.

On the upcoming Saturday and Sunday (the 26th and 27th of August 2023), individuals passionate about monster investigations and those intrigued by Nessie’s legend are aiming to provide substantiation.

The organizers, namely the Loch Ness Centre and the research entity Loch Ness Exploration, have invited all who aspire to partake in this extensive exploration, which stands as the most ambitious since 1972.

“Our purpose is to observe, record and study the natural [behavior] of the Loch and phenomena that may be more challenging to explain,” states the Loch Ness Exploration Facebook page.

“If you believe that the Loch Ness Monster exists then we invite you to join the search, [and] we equally invite you to support the study of the Loch and the natural [behavior] of the elements that may be the root cause of these strange reports from Loch Ness.”

Advanced tools deployment

Researchers are deploying a wide array of advanced tools, including surveying gear that, according to the Loch Ness Centre, has never been utilized in the freshwater lake before.

Drones equipped with infrared cameras are set to hover over the lake, while a hydrophone will be employed beneath the water’s surface to detect sounds resembling those attributed to Nessie, as reported by the center.

In addition, volunteers are gearing up for an extensive observation of the lake’s surface, diligently scanning for any unusual occurrences.

Regrettably, owing to an “exceptional interest” from hunters, the group is no longer able to accommodate individuals seeking to physically partake in the mission. Nevertheless, the Loch Ness Centre has made provisions for those who remain eager to engage. They can take part virtually through a live broadcast.

Encountering the mysterious creature

Covering an expanse of twenty-two square miles and plunging to a maximum depth of 788 feet, Loch Ness holds the distinction of being the largest lake in Great Britain in terms of volume and the second-largest based on its surface area.

22nd August 565 St. Columba reported seeing a monster in Loch Ness. It was the first reported sighting of the monster. The loch is Scotland's second largest loch by surface area after Loch Lomond, but, due to its great depth, it is the largest by volume. pic.twitter.com/giw5ZMuU2A

— Garry Pickles 🇬🇧 (@garrypickles) August 22, 2023

While the earliest written tales of the creature are linked to an encounter by the Irish monk Saint Columba in the year 565 A.D., accounts of a mysterious being residing in the lake are depicted in age-old stone carvings unearthed from the vicinity.

However, the notion of a creature dwelling within the waters of the lake didn’t gain significant prominence until April 1933.

During that time, a couple driving along the newly constructed road encircling the lake reported seeing an entity they linked to a “dragon or prehistoric monster,” as recounted by the Scottish Maritime Museum.

This initial sighting was soon followed by others, thereby attracting greater attention. Subsequently, in December 1933, Marmaduke Wetherell, a prominent hunter of large game, was commissioned to pursue the enigmatic creature.

He claimed to have discovered substantial tracks along the lake’s shore. Nevertheless, experts at the Natural History Museum, specializing in zoology, discredited these tracks.

Conspiracy theories regarding the existence of Nessie

The subsequent year marked a pivotal moment when an English doctor named Robert Wilson captured an image, now famously referred to as the “Surgeon’s Photograph.” This snapshot seemingly displayed the head of Nessie positioned atop a long and slender neck extending from the water’s surface.

The image found its way into the news, effectively propelling the Loch Ness Monster into the realm of worldwide fame.

In a noteworthy revelation, one of the individuals who had participated in that particular search admitted on his deathbed that the photograph had been orchestrated.

The Loch Ness Centre reports a tally of over 1,140 documented Nessie sightings. Paul Nixon, serving as the Centre’s general manager, expressed his anticipation regarding the forthcoming outcome, as the weekend will witness an unparalleled exploration of the waters like never before.

“We are guardians of this unique story,” remarked Nixon. “And as well as investing in creating an unforgettable experience for visitors, we are committed to helping continue the search and unveil the mysteries that lie underneath the waters of the famous Loch.”

The largest search for the Loch Ness monster in more than 50 years takes place this weekend pic.twitter.com/rJvnlQmXLE

— CNN (@CNN) August 22, 2023