Gary and Angela Williams, residents of Overton, Lancashire, were taking a leisurely stroll along Middleton Sands beach near Morecambe Narrows when they encountered a peculiar object that emitted the stench of decaying fish. Following the scent, they stumbled upon what appeared to be a unique “rock” that resembled a piece of ambergris, commonly known as “whale upchuck” and used in the production of perfume. Intrigued by their find, the couple carefully wrapped the large anomaly in a scarf and brought it home, having read about the highly sought-after substance in a newspaper.
After reaching home, Gary, a 48-year-old engineer, decided to weigh the bundle on his fishing scales, and to his surprise, it tipped the scale at 1.57kg. Although it is slightly over half the size of a lump discovered several years ago near Morecambe, the previous “whale upchuck” fetched a staggering £120,000 in 2013. Currently, Gary and Angela, a 49-year-old nurse, are in discussions with potential buyers regarding their recently found lump, which is slightly smaller than a rugby ball.
Ambergris, derived from solidified digestive slurry of sperm whales, is often referred to as “floating gold” due to its rarity and high value to fragrance makers. It takes years to form and is believed to protect the whale from the sharp, hard substances it consumes. Prior to washing ashore, it can float in the ocean for an extended period. Over time, it transforms into a smooth, dark chunk of smaller stone due to exposure to sunlight and saline water.
Gary described the discovery he and his wife made as “quite a surprise.” It was found along a stretch of the beach that was seldom visited by people. He further stated, “However, it smells terribly awful. It has a very distinct odor that is a cross between farm manure and squid. Its texture is similar to that of a hard rubber ball, with a waxy, candle-like feel. When you touch it, wax sticks to your fingers.”
He added, “If it turns out to be valuable, it could go a long way in helping us purchase a static caravan. It’s like a dream come true.”
During their walks, Gary and Angela often scour the beach for interesting objects. They found the 1.57kg lump of ambergris on Sunday and have since stored it safely while consulting with two experts – one in France and another in New Zealand. Experts estimated the value of a 2.7kg lump that washed ashore in Morecambe in 2013 to be as high as £120,000.
