The Loch Ness Monster: Could it be real, wonders Raglan Jenen-Burgess The legend first started in the 7th century AD and for hundreds of years stories were passed along from generation to generation until one day in April 1933 a sighting was reported in the “ The Inverness Courier ” on May 2, and interest steadily grew, especially after more and more people claimed to have seen the animal on land. Amateur investigators have for decades kept an almost constant watch on the mon- ster looking for any sign of life, and in the 1960s several British universities launched sonar expeditions to the lake. Sadly, nothing conclusive was found, but in each expedition the sonar operators detected some type of large, moving underwa- ter objects. However, most objects turned out to be sunken boats. In 1975, another expedition combined the latest sonar and underwater photography equipment to try and find the monster in the Loch Ness. A photo resulted that, after enhance- ment, appeared to show what vaguely resembled the giant flipper of an aquatic ani- mal. Though many people thought of this as concrete evidence of the beast, some thought that this was a hoax. Further sonar expeditions in the 1980s and 1990s resulted in more inconclusive readings. Revelations in 1994 that the famous 1934 photo was a complete hoax has only dampened the enthusiasm and credibility of tourists and investigators search- ing for the legendary beast of Loch Ness. The impossibility of there ever being a monster shone through the hearts of many people. However, many movies and shows have been based around the legend. Some include “ Scooby doo ” and “ The Loch Ness terror ”. As well as this, there have been many instances when the Loch Ness monster has been mistaken for other animals or objects such as moored boats, logs and some- times even fishing nets. Along with this, sonar has also got this wrong. Although, sonar can usually tell you what it is picking up. Many so - called 'readings' and 'evidence' have been found out to be nothing more than shipwrecks or rocks.
53
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker