Residents of Kolamaafushi island in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, located in the southern Maldives, have reportedly discovered several pieces of what is suspected to be ambergris.
According to Shaamaa Thakkhaan, a member of Kolamaafushi’s Island Council, five pieces of the potential ambergris were found on the island. The first piece was notably large, and locals who visited the site later uncovered two smaller pieces in the same area. Later in the day, two more mid-sized pieces were also discovered nearby.
“We’re not sure if they are ambergris—testing will confirm,” Thakkhaan stated, noting that the total weight of the suspected ambergris is approximately two kilograms. The substance is believed to be white ambergris, although this has yet to be verified through testing.
Ambergris, a rare and valuable substance used in the perfume industry, has been found in various parts of the Maldives before. While some lucky finders have made significant profits by selling genuine ambergris, others have been disappointed when testing revealed that their discoveries were not the real thing.