People have been talking about the Loch Ness Monster since the 6th century, when the Irish monk St. Columba wrote about a “water beast” lurking in the deep waters of the River Ness in Scotland. And "Nessie" continues to fascinate modern-day monster hunters. In 1991, a young Englishman named Steve Feltham decided to devote his life to the legend. He quit his job, sold his house, and broke up with his girlfriend in order to move to the Scottish village of Dores and pursue the Loch Ness Monster full time. He’s been at it for more than 25 years, and his quest has been recognized by Guinness World Records.
“When I first came here, I had no clear idea how long I would need. But I thought I would see something in three years,” Feltham said. “It’s been a lifelong passion for me and I’m dedicated to being here and being fully involved in this whole hunt.”
Cue the scary monster music:
- Gary Campbell, keeper of the Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register, says he has logged more than 1,000 sightings.
- In 2009, a boater on Loch Ness claimed that he saw something on his sonar equipment that was more than 5 feet (1.5 m) wide, lurking 60 feet (18.3 m) below his boat.
- While undeterred from the hunt, Feltham has admitted that Nessie is most likely a large Wels catfish, a native European fish that can grow up to 13 feet (4 m) in length.