Loch Ness Monster search, The Quest, to return for third year this spring with upgraded ROV submersibles and other kit such as bait traps
A new search for Nessie will take place in Loch Ness this May - after the Loch Ness Centre announced plans for upgraded tech to scour below the waves.
Upgraded Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) will take to the water again when The Quest returns to the loch for its third year in a row this May.
Set to take place from Thursday to Sunday, May 22 to 25, The Quest has captivated Nessie enthusiasts worldwide, drawing both locals and visitors to the shores of Loch Ness in the hopes of uncovering the mysteries of the famous loch.
This year, The Loch Ness Centre will also be upgrading its technology to find the famous monster. ROVs from Little Loch Broom Marine Life will be searching for what lurks beneath the waters. The newer model, a Chasing M2 ROV, will be able to navigate tight spaces and withstand pressures at depths of 100 metres - not quite half the depth of the loch itself.
The ROV's high-resolution camera will also try to capture images and video of the elusive beast in the murky, peaty waters.
Speaking on the ROVs, Sue at Little Loch Broome Marine Life, said: “What could be better than being given the wonderful opportunity to explore under the surface of Loch Ness and bring a smile to our faces in anticipation.
“Fresh water lochs are not something that we have explored before - we are usually based in Little Broom on the west coast. So, to be invited to dive our ROV and drop-down camera trap into the most famous loch in the world - could not be passed up on.
“The possibility of capturing even a suggestion of Nessie is undoubtedly the most exciting opportunity ever. “
The ROVs will search the loch after this year’s first potential new sighting of the Loch Ness Monster.
The ROVs will capture footage underwater from the loch in an attempt to capture the first ever underwater image of the famous beast in its famous home.
The centre will also deploy baited camera traps in strategic locations around the loch to bolster its efforts in finding Nessie. The devices are made locally in Inverness and consists of a metal frame that fills with water and is weighted down, featuring a bait box to entice the local wildlife and a GoPro camera with attached lights to capture any sightings. The cameras will trigger automatically when any movement is detected, providing crucial footage that could bring the elusive Nessie into clearer focus for the world to see.
In 2023 and 2024, The Quest brought together participants from across the globe.
As The Quest enters its third year, Nagina Ishaq, general manager of The Loch Ness Centre, commented: “The Quest has become one of the most eagerly anticipated events for Nessie hunters and Loch Ness enthusiasts worldwide. We are excited to 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, 2025 promises to be our most thrilling Quest yet. We can’t wait to work with Little Loch Broom Marine Life as new technology will search the Loch as we aim to get a step closer to finding the famous monster.”
Visit lochness.com/join-the-quest for more information.
