In a surprising and eerie incident, two surfers in Cabo San Lucas discovered a living oarfish on a popular tourist beach, igniting local fears of an impending natural disaster. These majestic yet ominous creatures, renowned for their elongated bodies and notable presence in deep ocean waters, are often associated with folklore predicting earthquakes and tsunamis.
On Friday, January 17, the surfers stumbled upon the enormous marine beast, which was still alive but stranded on the sandy shoreline. The oarfish, a species that can grow to dizzying lengths of up to 17 meters (56 feet) and weigh over 200 kilograms (441 pounds), had a portion of its tail missing, raising concerns about what might have caused its unfortunate situation.
Gracious and caring, the surfers used their boards to gently nudge the oarfish back towards the safety of the waves, hoping it would make its way back to the deep waters from which it came. However, its fate remains uncertain as there is no way to confirm whether the oarfish successfully swam away from harm.
Local residents were quick to react to the sighting. “They say those fish appear when there is going to be a very strong tsunami,” expressed one concerned beachgoer. Such superstitions add a layer of intrigue and fear regarding the oarfish’s presence. The mythology surrounding oarfish, particularly in Japanese culture, paints them as omens of natural disasters, making their occasional beach sightings particularly alarming.
Fredy, one of the surfers involved in the rescue attempt, seemed hopeful, stating, “It will be okay because they didn’t grab it with their hands.” His words reflect a mix of optimism and the acknowledgment of the creature's symbolic weight. Another surfer, Víctor, speculated about the missing tail, suggesting it could have been the result of a predator encounter.
Despite the trepidation surrounding their sightings, oarfish are fascinating creatures. Their scaleless, slimy bodies are covered in a silvery coating known as guanine, lending them an otherworldly appearance. Occasional wash-ups of these deep-sea inhabitants often occur after storms or as a result of injuries, further fueling the legends surrounding them.
Historical precedent adds to the fear: in 2011, multiple oarfish appearances were reported before the devastating Tohoku earthquake in Japan, reviving the old beliefs about their prophetic nature. Just recently, a dead oarfish was also found on Grandview Surf Beach in California, followed shortly by a 4.4-magnitude earthquake rattling the area.
As news of the oarfish spread, locals and tourists alike found themselves both mesmerized and anxious. The moment served as a reminder of our connection to the ocean and its mysteries — a connection that can sometimes evoke fear as much as it inspires wonder. The oarfish represents the profound unpredictability of nature; while it is a beautiful sight, it also serves as a curious herald of disaster.
In the end, the surfers’ thoughtful actions in rescuing the oarfish underscore a commitment to preserving marine life. Whether the creature will endure its brush with the beach remains a mystery, but its presence on that fateful day continues to stir both fascination and foreboding.