03 June 2024 , 12:42
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A major four-day search for the Loch Ness Monster is complete as hunters recorded an "unexplainable noise" and spotted mysterious shapes in the water.
The huge hunt, which saw people travel from as far as the US to take part, welcomed hundreds of participants to search the 23-mile-long Loch. It comes as part of the 90th anniversary of the first organised surface watch of Loch Ness. Sir Edward Mountain originally launched the expedition with his team of 20 volunteers, who were dubbed the ‘Watchers of the Monster’.
During this year's mission, budding explorer Evelyn Murphy, 11, captured a potential sighting with her camera, which showed a clear break in the water made by an unidentified object or creature. The Quest, which took place between May 30 to June 2, involved using a hydrophone, which is an underwater device that records ocean sounds.
The hunt took place on the 90th anniversary of the first surface watch (Michal Wachucik)Alan McKenna, of Loch Ness Exploration, captured a unique noise with the equipment. The sound was described as a rhythmic pulsing that lasted about 10 seconds. He will now analyse the noise by isolating it so he can try to identify the source of the peculiar sound that he has never heard before. But the long weekend wasn't just about hunting, as in-depth discussions took place surrounding the monster.
The centre arranged a live debate with Mr McKenna and Roland Watson, a renowned Loch Ness writer, and eyewitness Richard White. As some enthusiasts were unable to attend, a live stream was also organised so people could tune in from across the globe. On the weekend, volunteers were able to join forces with Deepscan Captain and Alistair Matheson, who is the Skipper for the Loch Ness Project. They took part in an extended excursion, which allowed them to use a 60-foot hydrophone to further listen to the depths of the loch.
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The anniversary included events and discussions about the monster (Michal Wachucik)Ashley Range, a volunteer who travelled from Washington State to take part in The Quest, said it was a "dream come true". She said: "I’ve been obsessed with Scotland and Nessie my whole life, and to be here is just a dream. To be on an actual expedition and out on Deepscan exploring Loch Ness is a dream come true. I definitely believe in Nessie. Although a lot of the evidence can be explained, there is a lot out there that is unexplainable. It’s been an incredible trip!”
Paul Nixon, General Manager of The Loch Ness Centre, has vowed to continue to search for the monster. “The excitement this weekend has proven that intrigue surrounding Loch Ness and its monster is still very much alive," he said. "We all want the same thing, to discover the mysteries of the natural phenomena beneath the loch.
The event included a huge search across the 23-mile stretch (Michal Wachucik)"We’ve been delighted to welcome so many people to The Loch Ness Centre for hour-long centre tours and Deepscan boat trips across the weekend. After another successful The Quest Weekend, we’re more determined than ever to continue our search for answers.” Next year’s Quest Weekend has already been planned and will take place between May 22 to May 25, next year. For more information on how to get involved, you can visit here.