This is the stunning moment a woman claims Nessie sinks into the depths of her murky lair – in what has been hailed as the latest sighting of the mythical monster.
Annette Harkins from East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, was visiting Loch Ness for the weekend when some unusual waves caught her eye.
She was shocked when eerie bubbles broke the surface of the water as she peered through her binoculars.
And as she watched a dark grey shape suddenly rose from the depths before diving again under the surface.
She said: ‘I was using binoculars at first for a short time. I’d seen the waves change so I kept looking, and I’d seen a few bubbles in a wave that caught my attention.
‘Then I’d seen a shape – grey, dark like – was moving, so I took my mobile out and caught a slight picture of the object.
Annette Harkins watched as a dark grey shape suddenly rose from the depths before diving again under the surface
In Annette’s photo, white water can be seen closing over the enigmatic presence just as it submerges
The sighting was made near Urquhart Castle, on the loch’s western shore, on March 2
‘Then it went underwater and did not emerge back up’
In Annette’s photo, white water can be seen closing over the enigmatic presence just as it submerges.
The sighting was made near Urquhart Castle, on the loch’s western shore, on March 2.
It was reported last week to the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit, which also received another sighting last month at Dores Beach, on the northern shore.
The centre, which is gearing up for The Quest, a mass Nessie search now entering its third year, hopes the sighting is a good omen.
General manager Nagina Ishaq said: ‘The Quest has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events for Nessie hunters and Loch Ness enthusiasts worldwide.
‘Following the second possible sighting, this will further fuel the mystery surrounding Loch Ness and its most famous resident.
‘It will only inspire more people to look out over the water in the hope of spotting something unexplainable.
The centre, which is gearing up for The Quest, a mass Nessie search now entering its third year, hopes the sighting is a good omen. Pictured: General manager Nagina Ishaq
‘This year at The Quest we will offer more events, more experts, and even more opportunities for people to experience the magic of Loch Ness.
‘Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning to continue the search, we welcome everyone to our most exciting hunt yet!’
The Quest weekend begins on May 22, when monster hunters will descend on the Highlands to join in the search for Nessie.
The programme of events includes an extended boat tour with Alan McKenna of Loch Ness Exploration, where hydrophone equipment will be used to listen for the monster underwater.
Remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) will also be deployed, capable of capturing images and video up to a depth of 100m.
Baited camera trips will also be submerged in strategic locations in the hope of photographing Nessie.
