Garry Kozak of L-3/Klein Associates launches a Klein 3000 Digital Side Scan Sonar in Loch Ness, Scotland, September 2005. The survey flew the Boston Sea Rovers Expedition Flag along with the flag of the Explorers Club.
The Boston Sea Rovers Expedition Flag No. 3 was at Loch Ness, Invernesshire, Scotland, from 7 to 12 September 2005. It was displayed along with the Explorers Club Expedition Flag No. 65, which was first flown in 1936 as part of the Belgian Congo Expedition. We believe this is the first time the flags of these prestigious organizations have been together.
In recent years, visual sightings, of any possible mysterious creatures in Loch Ness, have been drastically reduced and sonar contacts have disappeared. This has led Academy President Robert Rines to surmise that the “quarry has expired.” Therefore, a primary goal of this expedition was to look for carcasses on the floor of the Loch. For the search we used an advanced, digital, high-resolution Klein Side Scan Sonar coupled with a global positioning system. A team of skilled ROV (remote-operated-vehicle) operators was standing by to investigate the sonar targets. Approximately 15 of the targets were examined, but unfortunately these turned out to be trees, barrels, fish traps, construction debris, and shale outcroppings.
The sonar team, led by Garry Kozak of L-3/Klein Associates, made a successful complete side scan sonar map of the Loch in one pass and also imaged some shipwrecks, including one of the last sailing fishing vessels in the region. The Team also picked up a number of interesting geological formations as well as a series of mysterious circular formations that appear to be man-made.
Sea Rovers have made immeasurable firsts over our nearly half-century together. It started with the creation of the very first Clinic, and has continued with individual and team efforts that have led to the discovery and identification of countless shipwrecks, innumerous scientific discoveries, and a plethora of exploration and expedition firsts.
While the Sea Rovers have certainly achieved many firsts, it is impossible to be first at all things. With the Expedition Program, we proudly follow the example of another distinguished organization, the Explorers Club – an organization that many of our members also belong too. They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – and since they have developed such a fine program to recognize exploration and achievements, we have adopted a similar structure, adapted to meet our unique needs as an underwater club.