This article is from page 9 of the 2013-03-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 9 JPG
IF A large lump of whale vomit found on the beach at Lahinch is authenticated by whale experts, the seaside town could end up attracting a whole new type of tourist.
Because if there is whale vomit on “them thar beaches”, it could be worth more than gold dust to those who find it, as Alan Davey from Ennis is hoping.
The 38-year-old found what he believes is the rare whale ambergris on the beach while getting a surfing lesson from his friend, Brian Miller from Cratloe.
The Ennis man became aware of the value of the waste product of the sperm whale’s digestive system when one found in the UK recently made headlines after it was sold for £100,000 sterling. It is estimated that the 20cm-diameter ambergris found by Alan could make between € 10,000 and € 50,000.
Ambergris is used mostly in highend perfumes, and its rarity adds to its value. Since discovering the “floating gold”, so-called because it can float for years in the sea before being discovered, Alan and Brian have been making national headlines and taking to the national airwaves.
In order to protect their potential loot, they have now left it with a mutual friend for safekeeping until an expert can confirm whether or not it is the coveted whale bile.
The potentially precious substance is securely wrapped in a cotton bag as directed by Alan’s online research.
The Jersey native has said that while he is trying not to get too excited about the possible value of his find, the money will come in handy.
He has also promised to split any profits with his friend and surf teacher Brian.