A 55-year-old underwater camera, linked to the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau and possibly capturing evidence of the elusive Nessie, has been recovered by the robotic submersible Boaty McBoatface.
A significant archaeological discovery related to the Loch Ness Monster has occurred, following the accidental unearthing of a 55-year-old underwater camera by a robotic submarine during routine trials in Loch Ness. The incident took place when the yellow submersible, named Boaty McBoatface, got its propeller entangled in the mooring of the camera system, which had been deployed in the 1970s by the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau. This group was established in the 1960s with the primary aim of gathering evidence of Nessie’s existence.
The camera was located at a depth of approximately 180 metres (591 feet) and although long-awaited footage of the mythical creature was not retrieved, engineers from the expedition succeeded in developing a small number of images captured from the recovered film, revealing the loch’s murky depths. Adrian Shine, a notable Loch Ness expert and member of The Loch Ness Project, played a vital role in identifying the camera. He shared that it is likely one of six similar devices previously deployed in the loch, three of which were lost to severe weather conditions during their mission.
Describing the camera’s design, Shine stated to the BBC, “It was an ingenious camera trap consisting of a clockwork Instamatic camera with an inbuilt flash cube, enabling four pictures to be taken when a bait line was taken. It is remarkable that the housing has kept the camera dry for the past 55 years, lying more than 130 metres (426 feet) deep in Loch Ness.” His comments underscore both the engineering prowess of the 1970s and the enduring mystery of the Loch Ness area.
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC), which has been testing marine autonomous underwater vehicles for nearly a decade in Loch Ness, has highlighted the unique conditions of the loch as ideal for such scientific explorations. Matt Kingsland from NOC remarked, “At 230m (754ft) deep, Loch Ness is an ideal location for testing our robotics, their sensors and systems before they’re deployed in the deep ocean to help answer the big questions we have.”
The unexpected finding of this historical camera has intrigued both researchers and enthusiasts of Nessie lore alike, with Kingsland noting that while the discovery was not anticipated, it adds a layer of history to the ongoing investigation of Loch Ness. The camera, along with its original film and protective housing, has now been entrusted to The Loch Ness Centre located in Drumnadrochit, close to where it was discovered.
Boaty McBoatface, the submersible responsible for this discovery, gained its memorable name following a public poll in 2016, which, while initially intended for a polar research ship, ultimately resulted in one of the centre’s submarines being christened in homage to the public’s choice.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative involves recent events and includes current context, such as the use of ‘Boaty McBoatface’ and ongoing research activities. However, it lacks a specific date for the discovery, which might reduce its freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
A quote from Adrian Shine was referenced as being shared to the BBC. This suggests that it may be verifiable, although the exact date of the original source was not specified.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Record, a well-established newspaper. However, some specific details, such as quotes from experts, are cross-referenced with other reliable sources like the BBC.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The discovery of an underwater camera, the involvement of recognized organizations like the Loch Ness Centre, and ongoing scientific activities in Loch Ness make the claims plausible.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be both plausible and relatively fresh, supported by quotes from experts that are potentially traceable to reputable sources like the BBC. The reliability of the source is solid, given its origin from a known publication.
