The Serpent of Gourock
Posted by: Nick Redfern on December 17th, 2012
Dr. Karl Shuker tells us…
“The history of cryptozoology is embarrassingly well-supplied with classic cases of lost opportunities, and the long-running saga of the sea serpents has provided quite a number of these over the years. One of the most notable examples took place on the shores of Gourock, on Scotland’s River Clyde. This was where, in summer 1942, an intriguing (if odiferous!) carcase was stranded that was closely observed by council officer Charles Rankin.”
Intrigued? Here’s the full story!
About Nick Redfern
Punk music fan, Tennents Super and Carlsberg Special Brew beer fan, horror film fan, chocolate fan, like to wear black clothes, like to stay up late. Work as a writer.
Here is a clip of an interview with Councillor Charles Rankin who examined the creature close up. It is in an episode of Arthur C Clarke’s Mysterious World:
I happen to live only two miles from the school playground where the creature is buried. Interestingly, local government is re-building all schools in the area at the moment. It is more than likely, this school playground will be dug up in the next couple of years. This may be an opportunity to solve this mystery once and for all.
Only recently I became newly interested in this case. So I’ve done some research and now finished my own article (a little bit hastily I admit). In contrary what was thought the incident wasn’t such a secret and Mr. Rankin wasn’t the only one reporting about it. Three articles of local newspapers stated that it was a basking shark and also indicate that there was an expert who had done this identification. In addition I had my own thoughts into this case and some speculations.
Nevertheless some uncertainties and open questions remain and in view of this I would appreciate anyone contacting me who can assist with new information regarding this case. And naturally I appreciate every comment to the discussion either here, via Email, in my discussion board or anywhere else.
Gourock-Kadaver 1942