'Barnacle monster' washes up on beach in Wales

A mysterious, monster-like entity perplexed beachgoers after it washed up on Burry Port Beach in central Wales.

Locals wandered in droves to catch a glimpse of the endearingly named ‘Beast of Burry Port’ with a hope of identifying the intriguing tentacle-y creature.

The object was soon deemed to be a giant piece of driftwood that had been colonised by a horde of wriggling-worm like creatures known as goose-neck barnacles.

Council ranger Emyr Richards told the BBC that the barnacles, which have encrusted the wood in its entirety, are considered to be a prized delicacy in some parts of Spain, with some divers risking their lives to collect them.

The barnacle monster was discovered by beachgoers who are not unfamiliar with bizarre sightings on Burry Port Beach, with locals having previously discovered giant jellyfish amongst other creatures washed ashore.

A similar sighting in New Zealand last year sparked speculation on social media before it too was identified as a goose-neck barnacle colony. 

However, unfortunately for the ‘Beast of Burry Port’ its days seem to be numbered as goose-neck barnacles can only survive a number of days out of water.