It’s not the conventional type of menacing monster, but multiple reports were sent to the police around 8PM BST. Most calls received mentioned a floating blue object that unexpectedly dropped into the loch, suggesting it could be balloon. The village of Dores, in the south of the lake and approximately 10km south-west of Inverness, was the perfect viewpoint to watch the spectacle with many of the 109 residents watching from their windows.

Police however are skeptical and think that the supposed specter was a lost hang glider or a microlight. A 3-hour search by the police, coastguard, lifeboat and RAF helicopter division which scoured the area up to the surrounding 5km radius found nothing out of the ordinary.

The RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a major lifeboat organisation covering more than 90% of Britain) sent a spokesman once they had wind of the imminent news crews who were gathering after hearing the story from local residents. Vivian Bailey, a Loch Ness crew member, quoted “Speed of arrival on scene was essential and we were able to link our search efforts with those of the Coastguard and RAF, something we practice regularly. We believe the reports were based on sightings causing genuine concern and we commend the actions of the members of public that contacted the emergency services.”

What do you think? Do you think this was just a prank, hoax calling the authorities? Or was a genuine call for help from lily-livered locals? Leave your thoughts below!