Skip to main content

Cornwall Sea Monster Sighting

Off Coast, Land's End, Cornwall Cryptozoology Victorian

Out in the choppy waters off Land's End, a strange creature was spotted by the crew of an American ship back in 1906. They described it as a long, snakelike creature with a thick body and fierce looking teeth. The image must have been quite a shock to those sailors, who were likely used to the rough seas and familiar sea life of the Atlantic. It's not hard to imagine the surprise and unease they felt when they caught a glimpse of this mysterious creature gliding through the waves.

This reported sighting of a sea monster, affectionately termed the 'Thick Monster', took place during the Victorian era, a time of great change and exploration. While there's no concrete evidence to prove the existence of such a creature, the account from multiple witnesses on board the American ship lends some credibility to the claim. Cryptozoology enthusiasts have long been fascinated by reports of strange sea creatures, and this particular incident remains a fascinating footnote in the history of unexplained marine sightings.

Historical Context

The Victorian era saw a surge in maritime exploration and trade, leading to increased reports of unusual sea sightings.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Off Coast
Activity Types
Visual
Witness Credibility
Multiple Witnesses
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
1906
Postcode Area
TR24

Nearby Haunted Places

Fairy 0 mi

Fairy Lights of Land's End

Cliff edges, Land's End

Land's End, that rugged and windswept corner of Cornwall, is home to a most enchanting and mysterious phenomenon - the Fairy Fairs. As the sun dips into the Atlantic, flickering lights begin to dance across the cliff side, a mesmerising spectacle that's only visible from the sea. It's as if the little people, those mythical creatures of Cornish folklore, are celebrating and partying on the rugged coastline, their joyful revelry illuminating the darkness.

Cliff edges Unknown
Read Full Story
Apparition 0 mi

Phantom Pekinese Puppy Guardian

Beach and cove, Land's End

Land's End, that rugged and windswept corner of Cornwall, is said to be home to a most unusual and protective ghost. Legend has it that the body of a Chinese princess lies buried somewhere in this area, her final resting place safeguarded by the phantom of one of her loyal Pekinese puppies. This spectral canine is rumoured to be a fierce defender of its mistress's grave, and anyone who dares to disturb her burial site is said to suffer a terrible fate - a painful bite from the ghostly puppy, followed by a swift and untimely death.

Beach and Cove Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.1 mi

The Slipping Woman of Sennen Cove

The Irish Lady rock, Sennen Cove

Perched on the rugged coastline of Sennen Cove, the Irish Lady rock stands as a haunting testament to a tragic maritime disaster. This rocky outcropping is where a woman, known as the Slipping Woman, clung to dear life after her ship ran aground in the nearby waters, claiming the lives of all on board. For a couple of hours, she managed to hold on, but ultimately, she slipped off and was swept away by the unforgiving sea, drowning before rescuers could reach her. Locals and visitors alike have reported seeing her shade, desperately struggling to remain on the rock, a poignant reminder of her final moments.

Rock Formation Pre-Victorian
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.9 mi

The Smuggler's Ghost

First and Last Inn Inn, Sennen

The First and Last Inn in Sennen, Cornwall, is home to a restless spirit known as Anne George. This historic inn, nestled in the picturesque village of Sennen, has been witness to numerous paranormal sightings over the years. Anne, the wife of a fence involved in smuggling, met a tragic end when she was drowned by villagers who were also part of the smuggling trade. Her spirit is said to roam the inn, clad in black, a sight that has been observed by the current owners and other visitors.

Historic Inn Georgian
Read Full Story
Post-Mortem Apparition 0.9 mi

Murdered Heir of Penrose Farm

Penrose Farm, Sennen

Penrose Farm in Sennen, Cornwall, is home to a tragic and unsettling haunting. The story begins with a family's devastating loss at sea, where the father and one son were believed to have drowned, leaving behind a young son and heir to a medium-sized estate. However, this young boy's life was cut short when his uncle, driven by greed, murdered him and buried him in a shallow grave. The uncle's crime was eventually uncovered, but not before he took his own life by hanging himself in the house.

Private Residence Seventeenth century
Read Full Story
Apparition 0.9 mi

Sennen Cove Warning Ghost

Coastline, Sennen Cove

Out at sea, off the rugged coast of Sennen Cove in Cornwall, a mysterious misty spirit has been seen by fishermen for generations. Known locally as Hooper, Hooter, or Whooper, this ghostly apparition appears prior to a storm, serving as an eerie warning to those at sea to head back to shore. The spirit's timely manifestations have been credited with saving countless lives over the years, and its legend has become an integral part of local folklore.

Coastline Victorian
Read Full Story

Stay Nearby

Haunted hotels and accommodation near Off Coast