Experts fear the Loch Ness monster may be dead or hiding, as no sightings have been reported in 2025. The creature was seen three times in 2024 and six times in 2023, but watchers say the waters have been unusually quiet this year.
No Sightings in 2025 Spark Concern
Rob Long, from the Loch Ness Exploration crew, said: "There is a real fear for her as it normally is not this long that we go without a single glimpse. Normally people from our team will see her but so far, none of us have. Others have claimed to but we have not seen waters this quiet."
The viewings have decreased over the years, but never to this extent. Long added: "Despite the lack of viewings, 2024 was the year we got the most definitive proof that Nessie exists - with the sonar recordings among the best we have ever got. So although the viewings were scarce, they were of better quality. Now there's nothing."
Cold Water Swimmers Blamed
Experts believe the rise in cold water swimming may be scaring Nessie away. Long explained: "Nessie has been there, we all know it, but she is clearly getting wise to people looking for her. We also think she is being put off from additional activity in the loch, such as people wanting to try cold water swimming."
Some believe the creature may have retreated to underwater caves to avoid human contact. There are now fears that she may be gone forever.
Plans for a Massive Hunt
In response, plans are being discussed to launch a "massive hunt" to find signs of activity. Long said: "We want to send a submarine to investigate the evidence. We believe the Loch is actually deeper than first thought and she is living deep in the trenches. We haven't really pushed to go deep to find her in the last 10 years and with new technology now available, it could be exciting. We just hope she is ok."
The Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register noted that recent sonar soundings were "among the best evidence of Nessie and that is where future deep down research should be concentrated."
Sonar Evidence from 2024
One of the best contacts in recent years was recorded by Shaun Sloggie, a seasoned Loch Ness skipper, who was cruising across the loch when he spotted a mysterious shape on sonar. The sonar indicated that a large object was lurking at a depth of around 98 metres. He described it as "the biggest thing I've ever seen," adding: "I've never seen anything like it."
Long concluded: "Nessie has been here, we all know it, but whether she is clearly getting wise to people looking for her or is gone forever, we don't know."
