Loch Ness Monster: the largest search operation in 50 years will be carried out at the end of August

Romain Rouillard / Photo credit: MANUEL COHEN 17:28 pm, August 07, 2023

What if this large body of water in the Scottish Highlands was home to a huge prehistoric aquatic creature. For decades, the legend of the Loch Ness monster, known as Nessie, has continued to fuel fantasies. That's why a team of volunteers from central Loch Ness, combined with independent experts from Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), are preparing to conduct the largest search operation since the 1970s, reports the Associated Press.

With the firm intention of finally unravelling this mystery that fascinates and attracts many visitors every year in the north of Scotland. On August 26 and 27, this 56.4 square km Highland lake will be combed through thanks to a host of technological tools. In particular, drones equipped with infrared cameras will be used that will provide underwater images from the air.

A lake excavated in an unprecedented way

But also a hydrophone, responsible for detecting the acoustic signals of the water and therefore a possible sound that would come from the animal. As for volunteers, they will have to inspect all suspicious movements of water and will receive advice on how to record the result of the search. Thus, the lake will be excavated in an unprecedented way, assure the organizers, quoted by AP.

>>

READ ALSO – The skeleton of a true-fake monster of Loch Ness sold at auction

The legend of the Loch Ness monster dates back to the sixth century when a monk collected the frightened testimonies of villagers convinced that one of their own was about to be devoured by a plesiosaur-like aquatic monster. According to legend, the clergyman then summoned the monster to spare the bather a little too adventurous. And Nessie would have complied... until reappearing centuries later on a photograph by Robert Kenneth Wilson that would eventually turn out to be a montage.

"Personally contribute to this fascinating mystery"

It was, in fact, a submarine on which had been added a sea monster head. A trick flushed out after many years. But the legend nevertheless remains tenacious and this despite the result of research conducted by a team of scientists in 2019. Based on DNA surveys, experts had concluded that no giant species could haunt Loch Ness.

However, not enough to start the determination of the LNE team. "By joining this large-scale surface monitoring, you will have a real opportunity to personally contribute to this fascinating mystery that has captivated so many people around the world," Alan McKenna, one of the researchers, told AP. According to him, it will be above all to "inspire a new generation of Loch Ness enthusiasts" failing to finally cross the road of the mysterious owner of the place.