A beach walker says he filmed a mythical Nessie-like sea monster that has featured in legends for centuries.
Dean Beattie saw the bizarre long-necked creature a few dozen yards off shore.
The bemused barber managed to video the apparition for a few seconds before his phone died.
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But the clip shows what appears to be a large, serpent like creature with its head clear of the water.
The strange sighting was made off the coast of Donegal, Ireland.
And the creature is reminiscent of the Oilliphéist – a sea serpent or dragon-like monster in Irish mythology and folklore.
These monsters were believed to inhabit lakes and rivers in Ireland and there are many legends of saints and heroes fighting them.
In Irish folklore, Caoránach was an Oilliphéist and said to be the mother of demons who was banished by Saint Patrick to Lough Dearg in Donegal, Ulster.
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In one story, an Oilliphéist cuts the route of the River Shannon when it hears that Saint Patrick has come to drive it out.
But whatever it was, it left Mr Beattie stunned.
“It looks exactly the same as the original pictures of the Loch Ness monster,” the 31-year-old told What’s The Jam.
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“It’s not the best of videos as my phone died when I started to record but it wasn’t a swan a seal or anything I’ve ever seen.
“We sat and watched it for 20 minutess at least – going under water then resurfacing a minute or so later, around 20 yards away.
“Then it just disappeared from sight.
“I’m as curious as anyone would be.
“The more I compare the more it looks like the original Loch Ness monster photo.
“I feel like going back to see if I can see it again.”
Loch Ness expert Alan McKenna was just as flummoxed.
He said: “I’m honestly not sure – even in slow motion it’s hard to make out.
“I would agree that it does resemble the famous surgeon’s photo of the Loch Ness monster but it’s difficult to make out.”
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