The legend of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as “Nessie,” continues to captivate the public, especially following new sonar footage that surfaced in 2025. This footage, recorded by local skipper Sean McLeod, depicted a large, moving shape beneath the water, nearly the size of his vessel. Experts are now analyzing this anomaly, which is regarded as one of the most compelling sightings in recent history.
This renewed interest has led to extensive search efforts utilizing advanced technology in an attempt to discover whether there is any truth to the longstanding myth. Volunteers from the Loch Ness Centre and the group Loch Ness Exploration are spearheading the latest expedition. Their approach combines various tools, including sonar scanners, hydrophones, night vision cameras, and baited underwater traps. Notably, remotely operated vehicles designed to operate at depths exceeding 100 meters have been deployed, along with drones equipped with thermal imaging and AI-driven anomaly detection.
During the recent search, hydrophones picked up unusual underwater sounds shortly after a baited camera trap was submerged, although no visual evidence of a large creature has been confirmed. McLeod, who has recorded over 200 similar sonar readings in the past decade, shared his excitement with YouTuber EllieMarieTV, explaining that the shape he observed seemed “almost as big as the boat.” However, sonar experts from Raymarine later suggested that the anomaly could be a large fish or marine mammal, despite the absence of known species in Loch Ness that would fit this description.
Despite advancements in technology, skepticism persists among researchers. A recent environmental DNA survey revealed no signs of large reptiles or previously unknown fish species, predominantly identifying genetic material consistent with eels. Professor Tim Coulson from the University of Oxford commented that it is “highly improbable” for a large undiscovered species to remain hidden in the loch for centuries.
Additionally, the proliferation of AI-generated images and digitally manipulated content online is complicating efforts to verify genuine claims regarding sightings of the Loch Ness Monster. Volunteers are collaborating with data analysts to discern hoaxes and eliminate false positives.
Many scientists attribute reported sightings to natural phenomena, such as wave patterns, floating logs, or optical effects caused by light and distance. As the search for evidence continues, the mystery of Loch Ness remains intact, with its vastness and murky waters making confirmation challenging.
Should advanced imaging or DNA sampling eventually substantiate the existence of an unidentified large creature, it would represent a significant zoological discovery. However, for the time being, results consistently point to familiar species like eels and pike, leaving the existence of the Loch Ness Monster unproven.
