Experts flock to Canary Wharf area as scientists seek to explain mysterious shadows in the water some have suggested could be prehistoric beast
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Hundreds of monster-spotters have descended on the Isle Of Dogs following the an image immerged that suggests the area’s docks could be home to something more sinister than a few shoals of fish and the odd Asda shopping trolley.
While Millwall Inner and Outer Dock and the West India Docks complex are undoubtedly human-made, the site they occupy has long been below sea level – an area of soupy, silty lakes and salt water in ancient times.
A recent shot by a Scottish tourist seems to show something large moving in the murky depths of South Dock.
It’s not clear what’ could have caused the shadows’s lurking under the surface, but some experts believe the image could be evidence a huge creature, long buried in the mud beneath the Island’s waterways has woken and is now prowling the depths.
“My research in recent years has focused on gigantism in specific ancient species, a phenomenon that can occur when an animal finds itself in an environment with abundant food and no predators,” said Dr Florid Payolas, visiting professor of palaeontology at the University Of Oxleas.
“I’ve studied these images and it’s quite possible that these shadows indicate the presence of a large worm – perhaps Radnorscolex Latus, which we increasingly think may have been native to these areas in prehistoric times.
“While we don’t know much about this toothed, snake-like creature, the fossil record from 425million years ago indicates it could easily tolerate long periods of hibernation to help it survive fluctuations in its environment.
“We believe such creatures were capable of shutting down their bodies almost completely for indefinite periods of time.
“Having evolved when the world was warmer, it’s quite possible the recent rise in water temperatures has revived it from a long sleep and it’s now once again hunting for food.”
Vanessa Belua, a tourist from Fort Augustus in Scotland took the image while on a visit to east London.
“I was visiting a rooftop bar near Canary Wharf where my friend works and I was taking pictures of the view at sunset ,” she said.
“Later, when I was looking back at the pictures, I noticed something strange in the water. It can only have been there for a few minutes.
“I don’t think anyone just walking past the docks would have been able to see it. Like everyone, I just want to know what it was.”
Alongside scientists, who are set to employ some of the latest underwater drone technology to hunt for the beast, the image has drawn onlookers to the area hoping for a glimpse of “Dockie”.
“I’ve driven in from Kent today,” said Isabell Stones, senior account executive at digital advertising agency, Airplay Floods.
“I’ve brought binoculars, my camera and a packed lunch and I plan to sit here overlooking Millwall Inner Dock for as long as it takes until I catch a glimpse.
“My friend has come too and is hoping to tempt Dockie to the surface by using slices of ham from Tesco on a crabbing line. I don’t know whether she likes sliced meats, but it seems like a fair bet.
“I’ve always been enchanted by tales of the Loch Ness Monster, but I never thought I’d get the chance to help with a hunt closer to home.”
Oxleas University is spearheading the search, which is expected to take several months.
Dr Payolas said every safety precaution was being taken because there was no way of knowing what risk a 425million year-old worm might pose to divers.
More updates on this story as we get them.
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