Yemeni Fishermen Strike Gold with Rare Whale Vomit Discovery

In a remarkable turn of events, Yemeni fishermen stumbled upon a rare find in the ocean that changed their lives forever. While fishing off the coast of Aden, they discovered a deceased whale containing ambergris, a highly valuable substance used in perfumes. This unexpected fortune, valued at over 11 crore rupees, allowed them to improve their living conditions and support their community. The story highlights the intersection of luck and hard work in the lives of those in one of the world's poorest nations. Read on to learn more about this incredible discovery and its impact on the fishermen's lives.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 03:41 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 livelihoods. One day, Yemeni fisherman Fares Abdulhakim and his friends set out to catch fish, unaware that they would discover 'floating gold' in the form of ambergris.

Abdulhakim recounts that about 26 kilometers off the coast of the southern city of Aden, they spotted a dead whale floating in the water. The fishermen approached it and began to cut it open, discovering the precious ambergris inside. Ambergris is a rare substance formed in the digestive system of whales and is highly sought after in the perfume industry.

Upon bringing the whale ashore and cutting it open, the fishermen found 127 kilograms of this rare 'vomit gold' (ambergris), valued at 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 fishermen.

Abdulhakim shared that fishing is his daily job, and that day began like any other until they encountered the deceased whale, which was filled with ambergris. This single moment altered their lives dramatically. With the money earned, some fishermen purchased new boats, while others built new homes. Abdulhakim himself has also constructed a new house. Following this event, the fishermen expressed their gratitude to God for this unexpected 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 for an extended period. This valuable whale vomit, known scientifically as ambergris, is sometimes referred to as 'floating gold.' Prior to this incident, another fisherman named Naris had discovered a 100-kilogram piece of ambergris, valued at 2.4 million pounds (approximately 25 crore rupees), which was the largest piece ever found.

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 called ambergris, which can appear black or brown and is a waxy, flammable substance. Typically, it weighs between 15 grams and 50 kilograms.