Coastguard were called to reports of human remains at a family beach – but they turned out to be something very different.
Reports of what witnesses thought might be a kneecap washed up on a beach at Earnse Bay, in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, were made on Sunday night.
Cumbria Police were also called to the scene, and a search was carried out after the informant placed a traffic cone next to the mystery item so it could be found.
The oddly-shaped beige item was found sitting among a pile of rocks, and when flipped over, revealed a pink flesh-like texture.
But the coastguard have since said the expected gory discovery appeared instead to be a Sea Pork or a Sea Potato – both are a form of sea urchin.
The report was later closed as both FC and the police agreed it was not a kneecap.
A spokesperson for Furness Coastguard said: ‘Furness Coastguard were called out tonight to an initial report of a potential body part washed up on the beach at Earnse Bay.
‘Cumbria Police were also in attendance, and a search was carried out. Luckily, the informant had placed a washed-up traffic cone next to the item. We located the item, which appeared to be either Sea Pork or a Sea Potato. Both are a form of sea urchin.
‘The team agreed that the item was not a knee cap as originally reported, and the Police agreed. We would like to thank the informant for raising their concerns and placing a marker next to the item.
‘If a traffic cone is not available, please download the What3Words app and this will give you a location accurate to a meter square. If in danger on the coast or one of the four navigable lakes, Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater or Derwent Water, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’