Fishermen in al-Khaisah village transform their lives after selling a massive ambergris found in the belly of a sperm whale for up to $1.5 million.
While fishing in February 2021, the fishermen in the village encountered the carcass of a sperm whale, according to Abdulrahman, one of the individuals who discovered the ambergris. In addition to the two boats available on-site, they had to mobilize nine other boats to tow the whale carcass to the shore near Mount Shamsan in the southern Yemeni province of Aden.
Fishermen posing next to the ambergris. (Photo: Middle East Eye).
By noon that day, the group of fishermen began to dissect the sperm whale. According to Abdulrahman, a total of more than 100 fishermen participated in bringing the whale ashore, opening up the animal’s belly, and protecting the 127 kg piece of ambergris, which was sold for $1.5 million to a trader in the United Arab Emirates.
To avoid disputes, the fishermen decided to share the proceeds from the ambergris sale equally. This discovery has changed the lives of the residents in al-Khaisah village. The group of fishermen allocated a portion of the money to help those in need within the village. Abdulrahman noted that most fishermen in the group did not own their own fishing boats and struggled to provide for their families. Now, they can afford to buy homes, cars, and get married. Nevertheless, the fishermen shared that they will continue their fishing profession.
Ambergris, also known as “floating gold”, is a rare waxy substance resembling a rock, produced in the intestines of sperm whales. Sometimes, ambergris floats on the surface of the water or washes up on beaches around the world. Although it has an unpleasant odor, it is highly valued in the perfume industry for its ability to enhance fragrance longevity. Today, ambergris is mostly replaced by synthetic compounds due to its high cost and limited supply.
Sperm whales consume large amounts of cephalopods, such as squid and cuttlefish, which have parts like beaks and various body parts that are indigestible. Sperm whales often regurgitate these parts. However, occasionally, some of these parts drift into the whale’s intestines. Experts believe that sperm whales secrete ambergris to protect their internal organs. This substance exists in less than 5% of sperm whale carcasses.
