Seaside Stroll Leads to Smelly but Priceless Find

A casual beach walk turned into a potential fortune for Gary and Angela Williams of Overton, Lancashire. While strolling along Middleton Sands near Morecambe Bay, they caught a strong whiff of rotting fish drifting on the breeze.

Following the Scent

Curious, they tracked the odor to a strange, waxy-looking lump. Suspecting it could be ambergris—the rare “floating gold” used in luxury perfumes—they wrapped it in a scarf and took it home.

A Rare and Valuable Substance

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 that sold for up to £120,000. Ambergris forms in the intestines of sperm whales to protect them from sharp food. Over time, it hardens and can float at sea for decades before washing ashore.

Though it originates from whale digestive tracts, its rarity and demand in the perfume industry make it extremely valuable. Gary described the scent as “a cross between farm manure and squid” and said it felt like a hard rubber ball with a waxy residue.

Hopes for a Windfall

The couple have stored the lump safely and are seeking expert verification from specialists in France and New Zealand. If confirmed, the find could help them fulfil a long-held dream—buying a static caravan for holiday getaways.

From Odd Smell to Golden Opportunity

Gary admitted the discovery was “a bit of a shock,” especially since few walkers visit that stretch of beach. But for the Williamses, what began as a smelly seaside stroll might end as a life-changing treasure.