Yemeni Fishermen Strike Gold with Rare Whale Vomit Discovery

In a remarkable turn of events, fishermen in Yemen discovered a rare substance known as ambergris, or whale vomit, while fishing off the coast. This unexpected find, weighing 127 kilograms and valued at over 11 crore rupees, transformed their lives overnight. The fishermen, who typically struggle to make ends meet, shared their fortune with the community, donating part of the proceeds to those in need. This incident highlights the extraordinary luck that can change lives in an instant, especially in one of the world's poorest countries. Learn more about the significance of ambergris and its impact on the fishermen's lives.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 19, 2026, 05:24 IST

A Fortunate Find in the Sea

Becoming wealthy typically requires hard work and talent, but sometimes luck can change everything in an instant. A recent incident involving impoverished fishermen in Yemen illustrates this perfectly. These fishermen stumbled upon a rare substance in the ocean that transformed their fortunes overnight. In Yemen, a country ravaged by conflict, many individuals rely on fishing for their livelihood. On one such day, Yemeni fishermen Fares Abdulhakim and his friends set out to catch fish, unaware that they were about to discover 'floating gold'.

The Discovery of Ambergris

While fishing approximately 26 kilometers off the coast of the southern city of Aden, Abdulhakim spotted a dead whale floating in the water. The fishermen approached the whale and began to cut it open, only to find a rare substance known as ambergris, which is essentially whale vomit. Ambergris is a rare material formed in the digestive system of whales and is highly sought after in the perfume industry.

A Life-Changing Find

Upon bringing the whale ashore and cutting it open, the fishermen discovered 127 kilograms of this valuable 'vomit gold' (ambergris), estimated to be worth over 11 crore rupees. For many living in one of the world's poorest countries, this amount is life-changing. After selling the ambergris, a portion of the proceeds was donated to help those in need within the community, while the rest was shared among the group of fishermen.

A New Beginning

Abdulhakim shared that fishing is his daily routine, and that day started like any other until fortune smiled upon them with the discovery of the dead whale, which was filled with ambergris. This moment completely altered their lives. With the money earned, some fishermen purchased new boats, while others built new homes. Abdulhakim himself constructed a new house. Following this event, the fishermen expressed their gratitude to God for this unexpected turn of fate.

The Value of Ambergris

Ambergris is extensively used in the perfume industry due to its ability to enhance and prolong fragrance. It contains a scentless alcohol that helps maintain the perfume's aroma for an extended period. This precious substance, often referred to as 'floating gold', has previously been found in large quantities, such as a 100-kilogram piece discovered by another fisherman named Naris, valued at 24 lakh pounds (approximately 25 crore rupees). This was the largest piece of ambergris ever found to date.

Scientific Insights

According to scientists, this unique substance produced from whale vomit is a type of waste. Whales sometimes cannot digest it and expel it from their mouths. In scientific terms, it is known as ambergris, which can appear black or brown and has a waxy, flammable texture. Typically, its weight ranges from 15 grams to 50 kilograms.