Furness Coastguard and Cumbria Police responded to a report on Sunday night of a possible human knee cap that had washed up on Earnse Bay in Barrow‑in‑Furness, Cumbria. The alert came after a local beachgoer placed a traffic cone next to the object to make it easier for responders to locate.

When the coastguard team arrived, they discovered the beige, oddly shaped item among the rocks. Flipping it over revealed a pink, flesh‑like texture that initially sparked speculation about a body part.

Investigation reveals sea urchin

After a closer inspection, the team identified the specimen as either a “Sea Pork” or a “Sea Potato,” both common names for a type of sea urchin. The coastguard spokesperson confirmed that the item was not a knee cap and that the investigation was closed.

“We located the item which appeared to be either Sea Pork or a Sea Potato. Both are a form of sea urchin,” the spokesperson said. “The team agreed that the item was not a knee cap as originally reported and the Police agreed. We would like to thank the informant for raising their concerns and placing a marker next to the item.”

Officials reminded the public that if a traffic cone is unavailable, the What3Words app can provide a precise location, and urged anyone in danger on the coast or nearby lakes to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Social media reaction

The story quickly spread online, prompting a range of humorous comments. One user joked the object looked like a “bacon sandwich” or a “ham sandwich,” while another likened it to a “butternut squash.” Others expressed confusion, asking what body part it resembled, and a few wondered, “Bloody hell, what had they been smoking?”

While the incident turned out to be a harmless marine creature, it highlights the importance of community vigilance and the value of clear communication between the public and emergency services.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.