The Century-Long Search for the Loch* Ness Monster

For almost a hundred years, people around the world have been fascinated by the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster, often called “Nessie”. The story began in 1933, when a local couple reported seeing a large creature moving through the dark waters of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. Since then, hundreds of alleged sightings have been recorded.

In the 1930s, the legend grew after a photograph published in a newspaper appeared to show a long-necked animal rising from the water. Decades later, the picture was revealed to be a hoax — a small model made with a toy submarine. Still, the myth continued to capture people’s imagination.

Over the years, scientists and researchers have tried to find evidence of the monster’s existence. In the 1960s and 1970s, several expeditions used sonar equipment to scan the depths of the loch, detecting some unexplained movements. More recently, drones and underwater cameras have been used to search for signs of life beneath the surface.

In 2019, a team from New Zealand analyzed the DNA present in the water and found no trace of any giant reptile or mysterious creature. However, they did find large amounts of eel* DNA, suggesting that the famous monster could actually be a giant eel.

Despite the lack of proof, many visitors continue to travel to Scotland hoping to catch a glimpse of Nessie. Whether it is a scientific mystery or just a legend, the Loch Ness Monster remains one of the world’s most famous and enduring myths.

(Available at: www.bbc.com/culture/article/20251002-the-century-long-search-for-the-loch-ness-monster – text specially adapted for this test).

*Loch: in Scotland, a lake or inlet of the sea or ocean. (Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-portuguese/loch) *Eel: a snake-like water creature. (Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english-portuguese/eel)