A casual seaside walk turned into a potentially life-changing discovery for Gary and Angela Williams of Overton, Lancashire. While strolling along Middleton Sands near Morecambe Bay, the pair caught the unmistakable whiff of something unpleasant — a strong, rotting-fish smell carried on the breeze.
Following the scent, they stumbled upon an odd, waxy-looking lump. The couple suspected it might be ambergris — the rare and highly prized “floating gold” used in luxury perfumes. They’d read about it before, so they wrapped the strange find in a scarf and took it home.
Gary, an engineer, weighed the lump at 1.57 kg — more than half the size of a famous piece found on the same coastline in 2013, which fetched up to £120,000. Ambergris forms inside the intestines of sperm whales over many years, protecting them from sharp food. Over time, it hardens into a smooth, grey mass that can drift at sea for decades before washing ashore.
While its origins may not sound glamorous — it’s essentially hardened whale digestive material — its rarity and value to the perfume industry make it extremely valuable. Gary described the scent as “a cross between farm manure and squid,” with the texture of a hard rubber ball and a waxy residue that sticks to your fingers.
The couple have stored their find safely and are consulting experts in France and New Zealand to confirm its authenticity. They hope the windfall could help them realise a long-held dream — buying a static caravan for holiday getaways.
Gary admitted the find was “a bit of a shock,” especially since the stretch of beach where it was discovered sees few walkers. But for the Williamses, a smelly stroll might just turn into a golden opportunity.