What's happened
A 13-year-old boy, Liutauras Cemolonskas, has found a rare Lego octopus that fell into the sea from a cargo ship during a storm in 1997. The octopus is one of nearly 5 million Lego pieces lost in the 'Great Lego Spill'. Liutauras discovered the prized octopus on a beach in Cornwall after a two-year search, adding to his collection of 789 Lego pieces and fossils.
Why it matters
The discovery of the rare Lego octopus by Liutauras Cemolonskas highlights the impact of environmental incidents on marine life and the joy of beachcombing. This event brings attention to the lasting effects of plastic pollution in oceans and the importance of conservation efforts to protect marine ecosystems.
What the papers say
The Guardian emphasizes the rarity and significance of the Lego octopus discovery by Liutauras Cemolonskas, highlighting the dedication and excitement of the teenage beachcomber. Sky News mentions the efforts of beachcomber Tracey Williams and the 'Lego Lost At Sea' project, underscoring the magical appeal of the octopuses. BBC News and Metro provide additional details on the 'Great Lego Spill' incident and Liutauras' successful search for the prized Lego octopus.
How we got here
In 1997, a cargo ship encountered a storm off the Cornish coast, causing nearly 5 million Lego pieces to fall into the sea. Among the lost items were 352,000 pairs of flippers, 97,500 scuba tanks, and 92,400 swords. Liutauras Cemolonskas, a 13-year-old from Cornwall, discovered a rare Lego octopus on a beach in Marazion after a two-year search, adding to his collection of Lego pieces and fossils.
Common question
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Cornwall is a ceremonial county in South West England, bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by Devon, the River Tamar forming the border between them.