Two independent filmmakers say they may have finally recorded the strongest visual evidence yet of Champ, the legendary monster said to haunt Lake Champlain. While editing their family film "Lucy and the Lake Monster" in 2025, Richard Rossi and Kelly Tabor spotted a large, neck‑like shape moving behind their 11‑foot wooden boat. Their claim, reported by the Daily Mail, could revive a centuries‑old mystery that spans New York, Vermont and Canada.

Footage Shows a Skinny Neck and Bulging Body Behind an 11‑Foot Boat

The clip, captured during a daylight shoot on Lake Champlain, shows a dark silhouette with a thin, oscillating neck and a broader torso gliding just beneath the surface. Kelly Tabor described the sight as "a skinny neck, and that the body got larger," adding that the neck appeared to "oscillate back and forth, as if it was garzing underwater." Richard Rossi recalled his initial skepticism turning to amazement after Tabor played the footage on a large‑screen TV and pointed out the creature trailing the rope attached to their boat.

Historical Sightings Provide a Backdrop for the New Claim

Champ’s legend dates back to at least 1819, when Captain Crum reported a "snake‑like animal" over 180 feet long in Bulwagga Bay. Since then, more than 300 eyewitness accounts have been logged, fueling theries ranging from a surviving plesiosaur to misidentified logs or large fish. The region’s towns, especially Port Henry, New York, have built tourism around the monster, hosting festivals and selling merchandise that celebrate the elusive beast.

Local Roots: Tabor’s Lifelong Hunt for Champ

Kelly Tabor grew up in Crown Point, a community bordering Port Henry, where she spent countless summers scanning the lake from a family boat. she says her fascination began early and continued into college, when a strange wake near her lakeside cabin sparked another unexplained encounter. "It wasn’t coming from the left or the right – it was a straight wake, at least an inch high, coming straight at us," she recalled.

What Remains Unverified: Authenticity and Scientific Scrutiny

The filmmakers have not yet released the raw footage to independent experts, and no marine biologists have weighed in on whether the shape could be a known species or a hoax. Additionally, the Daily Mail report does not detail the camera specifications or the exact location on the lake where the clip was taken, leaving key verification steps unanswered.

Potential Ripple Effects for Lake Champlain Tourism

If the footage withstands scientific review, the region could see a surge in monster‑focused tourism, similar to the boost Loch Ness experienced after high‑profile sightings. however, skeptics warn that premature hype could damage the credibility of local businesses that have long leveraged Champ’s mythos.