Loch Ness Monster 'caught on camera' ahead of largest hunt for beast in 50 years

26 August 2023 , 08:41

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This picture is the fourth potential Nessie sighting of the year (Image: Jam Press/The Official Register of Loch Ness Monster Sightings)

The Loch Ness monster has allegedly been spotted by an astonished holidaymaker.

Steve Valentine was on a family boat trip in the Scottish Highlands Loch, near Inverness, when he saw a mysterious black shape in the water. The most likely explanation for his sighting last Wednesday (August 17) appears to be the Loch Ness monster, affectionately known as Nessie.

The shocked Mancunian, of Urmston, Greater Manchester, would now be the fourth credible sighting of the both feared-and-beloved beast of Scottish folklore in 2023. Steve managed to quickly get a picture of the unworldly sight - before the spooky black shadow instantly vanished.

Steve and his family were enjoying a Nessie-themed trip on the Deepscan vessel, which carries 12 people into Loch Ness - the largest lake in the UK - to learn about the mythical creature. It was on their return journey that Steve says he “saw a black shape on the water” at around 1pm.

The snap was taken just before the biggest hunt for Nessie in decades kicks off (Jam Press/The Official Register of Loch Ness Monster Sightings)

He said: “It was when we were returning to the dock near Urquhart Castle. I lost sight of it when the boat turned, but managed to get a quick photo from a distance.”

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It was useful timing for the sighting from Steve, as it came just before the largest hunt for Nessie in over 50 years was launched. The high-tech search will involve drones with infrared cameras which will be flown over the Loch, and a hydrophone to detect out-of-the-ordinary underwater sounds.

Volunteers will search for signs of Nessie from land in the search taking place this weekend (August 26 and 27). It is hoped the three previous Nessie sightings this year are a sign the monster is in an active mood these days - which could maximise the chances of confirming its existence for good.

The Deepscan Cruise takes visitors out to learn about the beast of Scottish folklore (Jam Press/The Official Register of Loch Ness Monster Sightings)

On June 15, Etienne Camel and wife Eliane were visiting the Loch from Lyon, France, when they allegedly spotted a 65ft dark shadow moving underneath the surface for several minutes. Only a couple of weeks earlier on May 31, USA tourist, Ceci, also spotted a strange shape for a few minutes.

Paisley resident Francesca McGarvey alleges she spotted humps in the water when visiting with her parents on April 5. All four sightings were taken down on the Official Register of Loch Ness Sightings, compiled by Nessie expert Gary Campbell since 1996.

Alex Croft