A mysterious green mass spotted in the waters of Loch Ness has reignited speculation about the legendary monster said to inhabit the Scottish lake. The object was photographed near Urquhart Castle by tourist Sharon Herbert during a Jacobite Cruises boat tour on June 23, 2026. Herbert, visiting from Kent, had been taking a picture of the castle when she noticed the strange sight lurking just beneath the surface.
Seventh Sighting This Year
The image, uploaded to the official Loch Ness monster sightings register, baffled even the experienced skipper of the tour boat. The register noted: 'Sharon Herbert, visiting from Kent, took a picture of an unknown object close to the Jacobite cruise boat at 10.27am as it came to shore at Urquhart Castle.' It added: 'Jacobite Cruises have confirmed that their skipper says there is no explanation that they can offer as to what the green mass is.'
This incident marks the seventh possible Nessie sighting in 2026, comprising six in-person and one webcam sighting. In contrast, the register recorded only six in-person and four webcam sightings for the entire year of 2025. The official Loch Ness Monster sightings register has recorded a total of 1,172 sightings to date.
Historical Context and Skepticism
Scientists have long cast doubt on the existence of the creature. The famous 1933 photograph of a long-necked creature swimming in the lake was later dismissed as a hoax. Despite this, thousands of people visit Loch Ness each year with cameras, hoping to capture evidence of its most famous resident.
In April 2026, the mythical creature was 'spotted' twice within a few days after months without any sightings. In December 2024, Alan McKenna, founder of Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), suggested that sightings could be attributed to 'standing waves' on the loch's surface.
Continued Interest
The latest sighting underscores the enduring fascination with Nessie, drawing tourists and enthusiasts to the Scottish Highlands. As the register continues to document reports, the mystery of what lurks in Loch Ness remains unsolved.
