Case file · Cryptid
Morgawr, the Falmouth sea serpent
In 1975–76 sightings of a humped sea serpent, named Morgawr ('sea giant' in Cornish), were reported in Falmouth Bay; in early 1976 two photographs sent by a 'Mary F' were printed in the local paper.
1976 CE · 50.14, -5.05 · status: hoax
The account
The showman and magician Tony 'Doc' Shiels publicised the creature, staged 'monster-raising' rituals with a coven of witches and also promoted the Owlman of Mawnan.
The sceptical view
An academic article in 2022 argued that the story began as a hoax; the 'Mary F' photos are widely attributed to Shiels.