Methods in Madness with Adrian Shine: The Pequod and Loch Morar, 1975

As we continue to unravel the layers of Loch Ness’ mysteries, Adrian Shine, an investigator with years of experience, brings us the latest in his series of blogs. 

This month, we focus on the Pequod, an underwater observation vessel that played a pivotal role in the 1975-6 survey of Loch Morar. Adrian, known for his meticulous approach to investigation, highlights the significance of this small yet innovative boat in the search for the truth behind Loch Morar’s aquatic secrets.

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The Pequod: A True Scale Replica in "Waters of the Loch"

Also, high in the Waters Of The Loch area, is a true scale replica of the underwater part of Pequod, a small ‘glass-bottomed’ boat we used in 1975 to survey 200 miles of Loch Morar shoreline for unusual bones and a survey of aquatic vegetation.

She was a small boat, 8ft long with a 2 h.p. engine and a crew of two. The helmsman sat to the rear and an observer lay in a central channel, 9ins below the waterline, looking through a transparent acrylic dome.

The vessel was towed to the survey location by a support boat and then moved in and out from the shoreline. We could see down to approximately 10m and saw many bones and as many beer cans! When bones were recovered subsequently by scuba-diving, they all turned out to be from sheep and deer. However, the mission gave us valuable insight into the shallow water habitats around the loch.

Stay tuned for the next blog in this series, as Adrian delves into further details of his investigations. And remember, book your tickets in advance to save and immerse yourself in the experience.

For those keen to dive deeper into the history of the investigation, the “Water of the Loch” room at The Loch Ness Centre offers a glimpse into the tools and techniques that have been used to explore the loch’s mysteries. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the rich history of Loch Morar and Loch Ness and its fascinating survey.

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