Canvey Island Monster

Infobox Paranormalcreatures
Creature_Name = Canvey Island Monster


Image_Caption = Artist's interpretation of the Canvey Island Monster.
Grouping = Cryptid
Sub_Grouping =
Country = United Kingdom
Region = Canvey Island
Habitat = Salt Water Estuary
First_Reported = 1954
Last_Sighted = 1955
Status = Proposed: anglerfishThe Canvey Island Monster is the name given to an unusual creature whose carcass washed up on the shores of Canvey Island, England, in November, 1954. Edwards, Frank (1959) "Stranger than Science", L. Stuart, ISBN 0806508507 (1983 reprint)] Warren Nick (02-1999), "The Fortean Times", #119] A second, more intact, carcass was discovered in August, 1955.

The 1954 specimen was described as being 76cm (2.4ft) long with thick reddish brown skin, bulging eyes and gills. It was also described as having hind legs with five-toed horseshoe-shaped feet with concave arches - which appeared to be suited for bipedal locomotion - but no forelimbs. Its remains were cremated after a cursory inspection by zoologists who said that it posed no danger to the public. The 1955 specimen was described as being similar to the first but much larger, being 120cm (3.9 ft) long and weighing approximately 11.3kg (25lb). It was sufficiently fresh for its eyes, nostrils and teeth to be studied though no official explanation was given at the time as to what it was or what happened to the carcass.

In 1999, Fortean journalist Nicholas Warren carried out an investigation into the 1954-55 sightings. He was unable to locate any official records at the Plymouth Marine Biology Association Laboratory or the National Rivers Authority identifying the creature as being a known or unknown specimen, but was able to find accounts from locals who believed the creature was an anglerfish. This determination was later seconded by Alwyne Wheeler, former ichthyologist for the Department of Zoology at the British Natural History Museum, who put forward that the creature was an anglerfish whose pronounced fins had been incorrectly described as being hind legs.

References