Loch Ness Monster
A legendary aquatic creature said to inhabit Loch Ness in Scotland, with reported sightings dating back to the 6th century and the famous 1934 'Surgeon's Photograph.'
Documented record
Known Facts
Loch Ness is the second largest and deepest loch in Scotland.
The first reported sighting was in 565 CE by St. Columba.
The famous 'Surgeon's Photograph' of 1934 was revealed in 1994 to be a hoax.
Multiple sonar surveys and expeditions have found no conclusive evidence.
The Loch Ness Investigation Bureau conducted extensive searches in the 1960s-1970s.
No body, bones, or DNA of a large unknown creature has ever been found.
Supporting claims & documentation
Evidence For
Sonar Contacts
PHYSICALMultiple sonar surveys have recorded unexplained large contacts.
SOURCE:Various sonar expeditions
Witness Testimony
TESTIMONYOver 1,000 reported sightings over many decades.
SOURCE:Various witnesses
Counterpoints & criticisms
Evidence Against
Surgeon's Photograph Hoax
PRIMARY SOURCEThe most famous photo was revealed to be a hoax using a toy submarine.
SOURCE:Investigation by David Martin and Alastair Boyd
No Physical Evidence
ANALYSISNo bodies, bones, or DNA have ever been confirmed.
SOURCE:Scientific consensus
Unresolved inquiries
Open Questions
Is there any unknown large creature in Loch Ness?
What explains the sonar contacts?
Why has the legend persisted for so long?
Are there any credible modern sightings?
Chronological record
Timeline
First reported sighting by St. Columba.
Modern Nessie legend begins with road construction sightings.
'Surgeon's Photograph' published.
Surgeon's Photograph revealed as hoax.
Connected dossiers
Related Investigations
References & further reading
Sources
Automatically discovered links
Related Connections
Both involve activities during the 1990s period.
Both involve activities during the 1990s period.
Both reference Scotland and United Kingdom.