Nessie fans plan to halt harpoon hunt

A NESSIE hunter with plans to collect tissue samples from the monster could face the wrath of the law.

Supporters of the legendary creature have vowed to use wildlife legislation to halt American submariner Dan Taylor's plans to harpoon Nessie when he visits Loch Ness this spring.

Mr Taylor (63), from Connecticut, is returning to the area to complete the job he started 35 years ago with a home-made submarine.

In 1969, his submarine Viperfish made 50 to 60 dives in Loch Ness but produced only a few unusual sonar readings.

Now, with improved technology, Mr Taylor is to return to the loch with a new submarine called Nessa.

It will be equipped with a harpoon which uses hollow-pointed spears to grab flesh from living creatures. Mr Taylor said he intended to use these to capture part of Nessie's hide for analysis.

But the plan has caused consternation in the Highlands.

Gary Campbell, president of the Invernessbased Official Loch Ness Monster Fan Club, said he was amazed at Mr Taylor's attitude. "He thinks it's OK to take a home-made submarine onto one of Scotland's busiest waterways and shoot off spears at any living creature that appear on his sonar, " Mr Campbell said. "We will be organising a proper defence of Nessie and informing the relevant authorities if Taylor carried out his plans.

18/01/2004