Overton, Lancashire residents Gary and Angela Williams stumbled upon a valuable find while walking Middleton Sands beach. They detected a foul smell, leading them to what seemed like a rock, later identified as ambergris, known as “whale vomit.” Weighing 1.57kg, the couple hopes to sell the rugby ball-sized lump to potential buyers. Ambergris, a sought-after material in perfume production, forms from a sperm whale’s intestinal sludge, turning into a valuable, compact rock after exposure to sun and water. Gary, an engineer, describes its unique smell as a mix of farm manure and squid, emphasizing its waxy, rubbery texture. The couple, avid beachcombers, plans to use potential proceeds for a static caravan, considering the 2013 £120,000 sale of a similar lump. They’ve consulted experts in France and New Zealand, anticipating a significant value for their unexpected discovery.
