A viral image had cryptid believers and skeptics debating whether or not photographic proof of the Loch Ness Monster has at last been found.

Believers in the sea monster consider an image taken by Apple Maps to be the greatest possible proof to date as to the creature’s existence.

Meanwhile skeptics see a bunch of waves and nothing more.

What exactly is the story behind this controversial image?

Someone toying around with Apple Maps just happened upon a bizarre series of ripples in Loch Ness, the famed home of the monster. The discovery led believers to ask various photography experts their opinion on the image and what it could possibly be.

The picture of what may or may not be the famous cryptid has been carefully examined for months. Experts are simply at a loss regarding a logical explanation for the waves that show up on the satellite image.

Has The Loch Ness Monster Finally Been Found? This Satellite Photo Seems To Indicate So http://t.co/rwQp4Dn1ww pic.twitter.com/pt2qVSX1OZ

— Independent Mind (@IndependentMnd) April 19, 2014

Upon closer examination, it appears to be the sort of waves caused by a large boat.

The problem is that there doesn’t seem to be a vessel in the image.

Waves of that size could be caused by a giant sea animal like the mythical “Nessie”. However the idea that this image, however bizarre, represents proof of the long debated sea monster is too much for some critics.

Shut your mouth RT @UPROXX: Don’t Get Your Hopes Up, Apple Probably Did Not Magically Find The Loch Ness Monster http://t.co/soRN0saL6T

— Neetzan Zimmerman (@neetzan) April 19, 2014

Loch Ness fans are too busy feeling validated to be bothered by the continuing skepticism. For them, it’s proof at long last.

Official Loch Ness Monster Fan Club President Gary Campbell told the Daily Mail, “Whatever this is, it is under the water and heading south, so unless there have been secret submarine trials going on in the loch, the size of the object would make it likely to be Nessie.”

This is a boon to Nessie fans, who were no doubt disappointed with all the fakes that materialized in 2013.

What do YOU think: Does the satellite image look like it could possibly be the legendary Loch Ness Monster or is it just a bunch of waves? Share your theories in the comments below!

Image via STV News