Fisherman Discovers Rare Lego Shark Lost at Sea for 27 Years
- A fisherman in Cornwall found a Lego shark that was lost from a cargo ship 27 years ago.
- The colorful toy was among debris washed up on the beach.
- This discovery highlights the long-term environmental impact of maritime lost cargo.
In a remarkable find, Richard West, a 35-year-old fisherman from Plymouth, Devon, has discovered a unique Lego shark that had been lost at sea for nearly three decades. The plastic toy was found atop his fishing nets approximately 20 miles south of Penzance on Tuesday. This discovery marks the first recorded instance of a Lego shark from the 51,800 pieces that fell overboard from the Tokio Express cargo ship on February 13, 1997. West, who recognized the toy immediately due to his childhood experiences with Lego, contacted Tracey Williams, the founder of the project Lego Lost at Sea. Williams confirmed that this was indeed the first Lego shark reported from the infamous spill. Expressing his excitement, West stated, "I was so excited. I was more happy about finding the shark than anything else I caught this week. It's priceless - it's treasure!" The Lego sharks were part of various sets released in 1997, including Shark Cage Cove and Shark Attack. Williams noted that similar finds have been reported not only in Cornwall but also in locations such as the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, Wales, and Ireland. This ongoing project highlights the enduring legacy of the lost cargo and the joy it continues to bring to those who discover these unique pieces of maritime history.