Morgawr: The Cornish Sea Serpent

Morgawr, whose name means “sea giant” in Cornish, is a sea serpent reported in the waters around Falmouth Bay and the Cornish coast. Sightings stretching back over a century describe a large, humped creature that may represent an unknown marine animal.

Early Reports

The earliest modern sighting dates from 1906 when a large, serpentine creature was observed off the coast near Falmouth. Throughout the 20th century, fishermen and coastal residents reported similar sightings.

The 1976 Photographs

In 1976, a woman known only as “Mary F” provided photographs to the Falmouth Packet newspaper showing what appeared to be a large, humped creature in the water. The photographs, though controversial, brought Morgawr to public attention.

The Description

Witnesses describe Morgawr as 15-40 feet in length, with a long neck, humped back, and dark skin. The creature resembles classical sea serpent descriptions and has been compared to plesiosaurs. It moves by undulation and surfaces to breathe.

The Sightings

Sightings have occurred throughout the Cornish coast but concentrate around Falmouth Bay, Rosemullion Head, and the Helford River. The creature has been seen from boats and from shore. Sightings continue to the present day.

The Explanations

Skeptics suggest Morgawr sightings involve misidentified basking sharks, oarfish, or other known marine animals. Believers counter that witnesses, often experienced fishermen, know what common sea creatures look like.

Assessment

Morgawr represents Cornwall’s contribution to Britain’s sea serpent tradition. The consistency of sightings over more than a century suggests that something unusual may inhabit the waters off the Cornish coast.