Stronsay Beast
A large, mysterious carcass washed ashore on Stronsay in 1808, described as a sea-serpent.
- Region
- Orkney
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Category
- Cryptid
- Date
- September 1808
- Continent
- Europe
The report
In September 1808 islanders on Stronsay (Orkney) found the carcass of a large, decomposed creature on the beach. Contemporary accounts describe a long body with fin-like appendages and a strong, unpleasant smell. The 'Stronsay Beast' was sketched by local surgeons and became a sensation in natural history circles; explanations have ranged from giant squid/sea-serpent to a decayed basking shark. The original specimens were dissected and portions sent to museums, but debate continues.
Sources and further reading
Location
59.2333, -2.9667
Keep looking
More Cryptid reports More from United Kingdom More from Europe