Operation Deepscan

In November of 1987, a team of scientists led an expedition to "sweep" Loch Ness, in Scotland, with sonar instruments. The project, Operation Deepscan, called for the world's most sophisticated sonar equipment. The instrument selected by the scientists and explorers for the task: the Lowrance X-16 Computer Graph Recorder.

One goal of the expedition was to gather data about the structure and ecology of the Loch. However, to people around the world, the main mission was to prove or disprove the existence of an age-old legend: The Loch Ness Monster.

After years of planning, Operation Deepscan was "launched" on a clear autumn day, on the deep, dark waters of Loch Ness. Twenty-four boats, each equipped with a Lowrance X-16, were positioned across the one-mile width of the Loch. This unique flotilla made two passes at slow speed over the Loch's entire 23-mile length, which in many areas is over 700 feet deep. Printouts from the Lowrance equipment recorded precise data of the bottom contours, structure, and …suspended objects.

 During the two-day search, numerous strong sonar "contacts" were reported, including several at depths below 150 feet, all appeared to be moving. In every case, these objects disappeared before follow-up boats were able to locate them.

One contact, however, stood out from all the rest. It was made at approximately 606 feet (185 meters). Interestingly, a follow-up boat, not one of the cruisers in line across the Loch, made the contact. This fact eliminated any chance that the mark was interference from another boat, and suggested that the object had moved into the area after the other boats passed.

Was it "Nessie" the Loch Ness Monster? There is little evidence to confirm it - yet, neither is there absolute proof that it was not.

Loch Ness, Scotland 9 October 1987 Chase Boat 1