How getting caught in an avalanche led a man to discover the first Jurassic sea dragon in Wales

Matthew Myerscough, a 40-year-old civil engineer from Wales, stumbled upon what could be the first known romaleosaurian plesiosaur fossil in the region while walking along the beach near Lavernock, close to Penarth in south Wales. The discovery came unexpectedly during one of his routine walks, where he often searches for fossils despite claiming his “radar” for such finds is always active, even when he isn’t actively looking. While passing through a limestone bedrock formation, he noticed a peculiar bone protruding from the ground. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was part of a prehistoric marine reptile, dating back approximately 201 million years. This fossil, with its uniquely shaped jaw resembling a kitchen knife, belonged to a primitive type of plesiosaur, a creature that roamed the oceans alongside dinosaurs during the early Jurassic period. Myerscough’s find has been identified as the first specimen of its kind discovered in Wales. He described the moment of discovery as both incredible and fortuitous. Initially, he and two fellow fossil hunters passed over the site without giving it much thought. However, after reconsidering, he returned to examine the object more carefully. “There were so many places we could have walked that day,” he reflected later. “When I think about the research paper being written right now about this fossil and everything we will learn because of it, nothing would have happened if we had been three steps to the left.” The discovery marks a significant addition to the scientific understanding of marine life from the Jurassic era. It provides new insights into the evolution and diversity of plesiosaurs, which were large aquatic reptiles that thrived in ancient seas. The unique features of the jaw suggest that this particular species might have had specialized feeding habits, possibly adapted to capture fast-moving prey in open waters. Myerscough’s journey to becoming a dedicated fossil hunter began after a harrowing experience in February 2014. While hiking up Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, he was caught in an avalanche that swept him down a steep cliff. He recalled the sensation of flying through the air before crashing into a pile of snow, feeling as though he were trapped inside a block of concrete. For nearly twenty minutes, he remained unconscious, barely breathing, buried under over a meter of snow. Rescuers found him shortly afterward, having fallen approximately 300 meters. Though he suffered serious injuries and was deeply shaken, he survived the incident with minimal physical harm. Recovery from the accident took several days, but the emotional impact lingered. Myerscough began to dwell on his near-death experience, haunted by thoughts of what might have happened had the avalanche struck differently. It was during this time that he turned to fossil hunting, a hobby he had enjoyed since childhood, particularly during family vacations in Whitby, England. Searching for fossils became a form of therapy, allowing him to escape negative thoughts and focus on the present. The act of examining rock formations for subtle signs of ancient life requires intense concentration. Each discovery, whether it’s a massive skull filled with sharp teeth or a colossal eye socket from an extinct sea monster, brings a sense of awe and excitement. For Myerscough, these moments offer a profound connection to the past, helping him feel grounded in the present. His recent book, In Search of Sea Dragons: The Odyssey of a Fossil Hunter, chronicles his experiences and contributions to paleontology, highlighting how his passion for uncovering history has transformed both his personal and professional life.