The
sea serpent in Orkney
Seen by two fishermen - off the "douch"
From The Orcadian, November 11, 1905
The
sea serpent has again made its appearance, and at present it is enjoying itself
in the boisterous waters of the String, with a tendency to sun itself near Shapinsay,
quite close to the .rocks under Balfour Castle.
Last
Saturday two fishermen were working their creels off the "Douch" when
the monster suddenly raised itself out of the water at the side of their boat. The
visit was so sudden and unexpected that the men cannot give a very particular
description of the monster. Of one thing they are certain, however, and that is
that the serpent had an awe-inspiring appearance, and was quite different from
anything they had ever seen before. The body
is described as massive as that of horse, covered with a scaly surface, and spotted.
It was the eyes of the monster, however, that attracted most attention. These
are said to have been as large as a bowl, and had a most fascinating attraction
for the beholder. After gazing at the occupants
of the boat for a second or two the uncanny visitant, gradually sank out of view,
much to the relief of the fishermen. The same men, when fishing near the same
place on Wednesday last, had another glimpse of the sea serpent.. It
is needless to add that the reported visit of the far-famed monster to Shapinsay
has caused somewhat of a sensation, and arguments are rife and strong as to what
it can be. The more superstitiously inclined
lean to the belief it is the sea serpent; but more level-headed people are of
opinion that it is nothing more than an extra large seal, attracted to the vicinity
by large numbers of sillocks which are at present swarming around Elwick Bay. Who
knows? Some day a more than ordinarily plucky
fisherman may succeed in laying a drop of salt on the tail of the real sea serpent.
Maybe a Shapinsay man. There are no more plucky men in Orkney. |