Yemeni Fishermen Strike Gold with Rare Whale Find

In a remarkable turn of events, a group of fishermen in Yemen discovered a rare substance known as ambergris while fishing. This unexpected find, valued at over 11 crore rupees, has transformed their lives and brought hope to their community. The fishermen, who typically struggle to make ends meet, found a deceased whale that contained this valuable material, used extensively in the perfume industry. With their newfound wealth, they have begun to improve their living conditions and help those in need. This story highlights the intersection of luck and opportunity in the lives of those living in one of the world's poorest countries.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 1, 2026, 23:51 IST

A Fortunate Discovery at 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, often referred to as 'floating gold,' which dramatically altered their fortunes overnight. In Yemen, a country ravaged by conflict, many individuals rely on fishing to make a living. On one such day, fishermen Fares Abdulhakim and his friends set out to catch fish, unaware that they would soon encounter a life-changing find.

Fisherman Abdulhakim recounted that they spotted a dead whale approximately 26 kilometers off the coast of the southern city of Aden. The whale was floating lifelessly in the water. After bringing it ashore, they began to cut it open, only to discover a treasure inside: ambergris, a rare substance produced in the digestive system of whales. This material is highly sought after in the perfume industry.

Upon reaching the shore and slicing open the whale, the fishermen found an astonishing 127 kilograms of this rare 'vomit gold' (ambergris), valued at over 11 crore rupees. For many living in one of the world's poorest nations, this amount is life-changing. After securing this fortune, a portion was donated to help those in need within their community, while the remainder was shared among the group of fishermen.

Abdulhakim shared that fishing is his daily occupation, and that day began like any other. However, their luck changed when they found the deceased whale, which was filled with ambergris. This single moment transformed their lives. With the money earned from selling the ambergris, 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 fortune.

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 over time. This valuable substance, often referred to as floating gold, has previously yielded significant finds, including a 100-kilogram piece discovered by another fisherman named Naris, which was valued at around 24 lakh pounds (approximately 25 crore rupees). This was the largest piece of ambergris ever found.

According to scientists, this unique stone 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. It typically appears in black or brown hues and has a waxy, flammable texture. Its weight can range from 15 grams to 50 kilograms.