An Ocean Robot Discovers Nessie Camera in Loch Ness

An ocean robot developed and operated by the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) recently had a surprising encounter during engineering trials in Scotland’s famous Loch Ness. The advanced underwater vehicle, designed for exploring the mysteries of the ocean, stumbled upon an underwater camera system, sparking thoughts of a potential Nessie sighting.

During a routine test mission, the NOC robot discovered the camera system approximately 180 meters deep in the loch. It is believed that the camera was originally placed in the water in 1970 by Professor Roy Mackal of the Loch Ness Investigation Bureau and the University of Chicago.

Despite being submerged for 55 years, the camera was still in good condition, and the film inside was able to be developed by a NOC engineer. However, the Loch Ness monster did not make an appearance in the footage.

Adrian Shine, founder of The Loch Ness Project, assisted in identifying the camera. He explained that the camera was part of a series of six devices deployed by Professor Mackal, with three of them lost in a storm the same year.

NOC has been testing its underwater robotics in Loch Ness for nearly a decade, conducting endurance tests and trials with their autonomous vehicles. This recent discovery marks the closest encounter with Nessie that the team has had so far.

The NOC underwater vehicle, known as Boaty McBoatface, found the camera when part of the mooring that held the system in place got tangled in its propeller. The organization has been developing advanced autonomous vehicles for over 30 years, with recent trials involving two Autosub vehicles for mapping seabed habitats and long-range autonomous operations.

These vehicles play a crucial role in collecting ocean data to better understand marine ecosystems and support scientific research. The data they gather, from seabed maps to water column analyses, is essential for addressing key questions about the health of the ocean and its impact on the planet.

Sam Smith, ALR operations engineer from NOC’s Marine Autonomous Robotics Systems (MARS) group, emphasized the importance of testing their technology in Loch Ness before deploying it in the deep ocean. While the discovery of the Nessie camera was unexpected, it adds to the rich history of Loch Ness and its mythical inhabitant.

The camera, film, and housing have been handed over to The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit for display, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Nessie hunting history.