Loch Ness Monster search continues after false alarm

Nessie hunters were left disappointed when monster remains uncovered at the bottom of Loch Ness turned out to be a 1970s film prop.

The 30ft (9m) model is thought to have sunk after the shooting of The Private Life Of Sherlock Holmes, directed by Hollywood great Billy Wilder. It was found on the loch bed during the latest survey of the 755ft (230m) deep stretch of water.

A marine robot named Munin is being used to explore areas that have not been reached before.

A spokesman for VisitScotland, which is supporting the project, said: “Operation Groundtruth has uncovered a recognisable creature. Although it is the shape of Nessie, it is not the remains of the monster that has mystified the world for 80 years, but a star of the silver screen.”

Christopher Lee starred in the 1970 film where the monster in fact turned out to be a disguised naval submarine. The prop is thought to have sunk after its humps were removed and it had not been seen again until now.

Discoveries already made in Loch Ness include a crashed Second World War bomber, a 100-year-old fishing vessel, and parts of John Cobb’s speed record attempt craft Crusader, which crashed at more than 200mph in 1952.

In a further blow to monster hunters, early survey findings have revealed that claims made earlier this year about a “Nessie trench” in the loch are incorrect.