Have you ever stumbled upon a surprising find whilst on the beach? Recently, a young boy made headlines by discovering a LEGO® octopus on Marazion Beach. You might wonder, “Why did that make the news?” Well, the story behind this strange discovery is a thrilling marine mystery that began on a dark and stormy night…
The storm that started it all
On February 13, 1997, a mighty storm battered the Cornwall coast. The cargo ship Tokio Express, navigating 20 miles off Land’s End, encountered a monstrous wave that sent 62 containers tumbling into the sea. Among these containers was one filled with nearly five million LEGO® pieces bound for America. Ironically, many of these pieces were part of deep sea adventure sets. As the storm raged, the container burst open, releasing a colourful overflow of LEGO® into the ocean, which began to wash up on the beaches of Cornwall.
A new era of beach-combing is born.
This unexpected turn of events sparked a unique kind of beachcombing. Suddenly, along with the usual finds of pebbles, sea glass, and driftwood, people were discovering LEGO® octopuses, spear guns, scuba tanks, and dragons. These pieces continue to wash ashore, especially after high tides or strong onshore winds, transforming Cornwall’s beaches into a treasure trove for LEGO® enthusiasts.
The Rarest Finds
Among the myriad of LEGO® pieces, some are exceptionally rare. The octopuses and dragons excite beachcombers the most. With only 4,200 octopuses and a mere 514 green dragons lost at sea, finding one is like striking gold. Fishermen often haul up submerged LEGO® pieces with their catch, while beachcombers find the more buoyant pieces along the shore.
Global LEGO® Drift
While Cornwall’s beaches are the prime sites for these discoveries, the LEGO® pieces have traveled far and wide. Reports have come in from as far afield as the Netherlands, and even blue flippers potentially from the Tokio Express have turned up in Australia. However, the best hunting grounds remain Marazion and Sennen beaches, with Perranporth, Falmouth, Gunwalloe, and Tregantle Beach also yielding these lost treasures.
Your turn to discover
So, next time you find yourself wandering along the beach, keep an eye out. You might just stumble upon a piece of LEGO® and know where it came from and who knows – it could be one of those rare pieces that tell a story of adventure, mishap, and the enduring mystery of the sea. Happy hunting!
