A whimsical yet poignant tale unfolded recently when Richard West, a 35-year-old fisherman from Plymouth, made what he casually referred to as the catch of the week. While trawling for monkfish and sole about 20 miles south of Penzance, he hauled up not just any fish, but rather a small plastic shark—a Lego shark lost to the sea for nearly 27 years.
The discovery of this mini plastic wonder has stirred excitement well beyond the fishing community. West instantly recognized the tiny creature, having grown up with the Lego shark toys included in various childhood pirate-themed sets. He recalled, "I could tell straight away what it was because I had Lego sharks in the pirate ship set when I was little. I loved them. It’s been 25 years since I’ve seen this face." His enthusiasm was as genuine as the surprise of finding something so unusual among the catch of the day.
But how did this Lego shark end up at the bottom of the ocean? The story goes back to February 13, 1997. A freak wave hit the Tokio Express, a cargo ship carrying over four million Lego pieces, sending 62 containers crashing overboard, with 51,800 pieces of Lego—including thousands of sharks—lost forever to the deep blue sea. This event, dubbed the Great Lego Spill of 1997, has since become part of maritime lore.”
After retrieving the toy, Richard contacted the Lego Lost at Sea project, initiated by Tracey Williams, who confirmed the Lego shark as the first one ever reported from this infamous spill. The project aims to document sightings of the thousands of Lego pieces lost during the incident. According to Williams, the shark West found is “one of 51,800 lost overboard from the Tokio Express and the only one we’ve ever seen.” This shark has certainly become more than just another plastic toy; it represents almost three decades of history.
The found shark isn’t just significant for nostalgia; it’s also a reminder of the consequences of maritime incidents and plastic pollution in our oceans. Over the years, bits and pieces from the tragic maritime accident have continued to wash ashore across various locations, including the Isle of Man, Wales, and Ireland. Many of the remaining Lego pieces are sea-themed, such as life rafts and scuba tanks, which demonstrates the connection between the spill and marine life.
The excitement surrounding the recollection of childhood summers spent playing with Lego contrasts starkly with the reality of plastic pollution. Tracey Williams explained how the project not only serves as entertainment but also fosters awareness about ocean waste. She noted, "Although so much plastic on the beach can be overwhelming, sorting through it can be strangely cathartic. It’s order from chaos." The project has grown immensely, garnering thousands of followers across social media platforms, bringing beachcombers together with the common aim of mapping Lego finds for scientific research.
But what about Sharky, as West has affectionately dubbed his find? While it may not turn up on the dinner plate, its sentimental value is priceless. West himself expressed immense joy over this fishing experience: "I’m so happy about it - it’s way better than any fish I’ve caught all week!" Indeed, the shark has sparked conversations far and wide, evoking nostalgia for many who grew up with Lego toys.
The Lego shark is somewhat the worse for wear: it’s missing its dorsal fin and bears the marks of two decades underwater. Over time, even innocent Lego pieces can disintegrate, fragmenting and eventually contributing to the microplastic problem plaguing oceans worldwide. It’s worth remembering, as delightful as it is to find relics from childhood, they are reminders of what materials not only time but negligence can do to our ecosystems.
Conversations about the impact of plastic pollution have been revitalized through such stories. Williams hopes to encourage environmental action about this pressing issue. She reflects on the accidental lesson the Lego findings impart about ocean currents and plastic pollution. While it draws laughs to think about Avenue Lego fluffing about the ocean, it’s far less humorously when considering its environmental impacts.
This unusual story is now part of the larger conversation about ocean conservation, childhood memories, and plastic waste. Many have joined Richard West and Tracey Williams, participating as conscious citizens who actively participate in beachcleanups and awareness initiatives, recognizing both their individual and collective responsibilities in preserving the oceans. For West, the Lego shark is more than just a toy from the past; it’s become his strange treasure, together representing hope for recovery of marine life and treasured memories from yesteryears.
With this unexpected find, Richard West has brought attention to not just the whimsical aspects of nature but the serious concerns of ocean conservation. Nothing is ‘just’ plastic, especially when it brings back long-lost memories and connectivity to larger issues affecting the world today.
