This Man Was Quarantined Just Because Of A Single Rock

Taking A Walk

It was during the spring of 2016, when Steven Whitten along with his wife, Viola, were walking by Middleton Sands. It was the couple’s favorite beach in Lancashire, England. The beach had an amazing view of the Irish Sea and it was just a block away from their home. The couple lived in the village of Overton.

Taking A Walk

Favorite Spot

Steven and Viola loved walking around unpopular and uncrowded places, but Middleton Sands was a crowd-pleasing place for hikers and dog owners. They didn’t like the thought of being surrounded by people while they were trying to unwind.

Favorite Spot

Something Was Off

While they were enjoying the view right in front of them, Steven started to notice that something was off. He smelled something that was irritatingly strong and very unpleasant. Little did they know that they were about to come across something that would turn their world upside down.

Something Was Off

Curious Couple

The stench smelled like a rotting fish, it was something that they’ve never come across before. Steven and Viola were really dying to know where the foul smell was coming from despite being disgusted by it, and so they continued to walk around. It was until they noticed a grayish lump that is a bit smaller than a rugby ball.

Curious Couple

Strange Rock

Steven and Viola followed the unpleasant smell right to where it was coming from. A weird and unpleasant smelling rock that was about the size of a football, was washed up by the waves to the shore. It’s apparent that it was worn smooth through the years by the pounding of the waves. What is it that the couple found? 

Strange Rock

Curious

Steven reached for the rock touching it very gently. He had read books about finding weird things on the beach specifically in that area. Although, Steven has never heard of anything about an odorous rock being found. The very reason why he got more curious about it. 

Curious

Distinct Odor

He carefully sniffed the rock and was determined that he had never encountered such a smell like it before. The smell of the rock was almost unbearable, but also very familiar. He said that the smell was like a fusion of a squid and farmyard manure.

Distinct Odor

Jackpot

Steven and Viola had always dreamed of winning the lottery and becoming rich. Maybe that day wasn’t too far off. What seemed like an ordinary day to them, completely changed and they never expected it to happen. 

Jackpot

The Next Step

The couple was having a hard time deciding on what to do with the rock. They didn’t know what to do with it. They were deciding on whether they should just leave it behind because of its unbearable smell or to bring it home with them? What do you think they decided on? 

The Next Step

Taking A Chance

As mentioned earlier, this couple has always dreamed of becoming rich. And when there’s a chance they will surely grab it. They saw this rock as their hope to live up their dream and so, they took their chances. They were hoping that it would bring them loads of money and help them buy a static caravan that they’ve always wanted. 

Taking A Chance

Taking It Home

Steven decided to bring the rock with them. He carefully wrapped it with Viola’s scarf. He wanted to make sure that the rock was safe and no one found out about it. He couldn’t wait to go home and research further about what he discovered, to verify that his suspicions were true.

Taking It Home

Getting Help

The moment the couple reached their home, Steven got his fisherman’s scale to weigh the odd-looking lump. It weighed 3.5 pounds, this caused the couple to be more excited about it. Steven knew that he would be needing some help if he really wants to get to the bottom of this.

Getting Help

Ideas Forming

Steven decided to post a picture of the “rock” on an online community on Facebook. The moment the photo was posted, it was flooded with comments to read. Just wait and see where this leads them next.

Ideas Forming

Could It Be A Meteor?

People were bombarding the post with their comments, their ideas on what it is and where the rock came from. Some people thought that it was a piece of volcanic rock that came from the deep ocean. Some even thought that it looked like a meteor.

Could It Be A Meteor

The Possibilities Were Endless

An amateur meteorologist suggested that Steven should try to do the “magnet test” on the rock to find out what it really is. The guy was persistent that his speculation is right, but it turned out that they were all wrong. 

The Possibilities Were Endless

Unidentified

Steven, later on, explained in an interview that the rock felt like a rock-hard rubber ball. Its texture is like wax, just like a candle. He also mentioned that when you touch it, wax sticks to your fingers. What do you think this could be?

Unidentified

Panic Levels High

If you’ll come to think of it, what is it with that odd-looking “rock” that would create such a fuss in the Whitten household? The moment that Steven tried the magnet test on the rock, he knew that something was not right. We are starting to get scared too.

Panic Levels High

Staying Cautious

All of a sudden, Steven was hesitant if he would still continue testing on the rock. A rock that he and his wife found lying on the beach, not knowing if it was dangerous or would cause them any harm. He had to be extra cautious with it. 

Staying Cautious

What Is The Magnet Test?

The magnet test is the most convenient way to know if something is authentic gold. It is said that imitation gold will always attract magnets. Using magnets allows people to know what type of material it is that they have discovered. 

What Is The Magnet Test@

Phone Call

After conducting the magnet test on the “rock”, it was confirmed that it did not have any iron material in it. It means that it was not a meteorite. Steven still has to find out what was causing the object to bear such a foul smell. 

Phone Call

Things Were Picking Up

He then decided that he had no idea what he was doing. He was not even sure if what he was doing was safe or not. And so, he immediately made a phone call. That’s when the men in their protective suits started arriving at his house.

Things Were Picking Up

Seeking Experts

At this moment, it was clear to him that he had no idea what he was dealing with. Surely, people online contributed some help, but this is something that they can not control. He then thought that he needed professional help, and that’s what he did. He asked for help from experts. But wait till you see what happens next

Seeking Experts

Quarantined

Two officials showed up at their house and immediately sealed it off and quarantined their home. Then, the men in their protective gear entered their house and immediately disposed of the substance safely. Steven and Viola were just there, outside their house giving them instructions while patiently waiting.

Quarantined

Getting To The Bottom Of It

The odorous lump that they found was now placed inside a box on the dining room table. Right after carefully examining the so-called “rock”, the officials went out of the house and told Steven and Viola the news that really terrified the couple. 

Getting To The Bottom Of It

At A Loss

Steven, trying to comfort his wife beside him, waited patiently and tried to understand what it was all about. He couldn’t help but expect the worst from it. The “rock” looked so odd-looking and the expressions on the officials’ faces made him feel more uneasy.

At A Loss

True Identity

Steven was relieved when the officials informed him that the thing that he picked up at the beach wasn’t hazardous. The “rock” was a waste that was tossed on the beach, but Steven was then shocked when the officials informed him that the “rock” was actually ambergris. The officials also told him that ambergris is extremely rare and is occasionally washed up onshore. What is ambergris then? 

True Identity

Ambergris

Ambergris is known to be a highly coveted substance for centuries. It is known for having an odorous smell, which Steven described as “a fusion between a squid and farmyard manure.” However, it’s odorous smell becomes sweet over time. It is said that this substance has been used in making perfumes for hundreds of years now. Some historians even believed that this substance is safe to be eaten.

Ambergris

Whale By-Product

Ambergris is a whale by-product that is produced in their bile ducts and then is excreted. While this may sound nasty to some, but for others, it’s a rare find and is worth a fortune. Steven and Viola felt lucky being able to find something that is rare. However, there was a catch. 

Whale By Product

Sperm Whales

Sperm whales are the only species that produce ambergris. These whales can be found from oceans around the world, including in the coastal waters of Britain. Sperm whales can grow up to 67 feet long and can weigh over 63 tons. It is said that the population of Sperm whales has increased, but they weren’t always prolific.

Sperm Whales

Endangered

In the past, Sperm whales were usually hunted for their blubber. Their blubber was used to make candles, soaps, machine oils, and even pencils. Ambergris was also gathered for its scent. But during the 1980s, a ban on whaling was passed due to millions of whales being killed. Ambergris was also included in the ban.

Endangered

Very Rare

In addition to the mystery and rarity of ambergris’ is that it’s created very slowly. It is also said that not all Sperm whales are able to produce it, only about 1% of the Sperm whale population is able to produce this substance according to experts. Strange as it may seem, most of it can be found in the Atlantic Ocean.

Very Rare

Contraband

Ambergris has been outlawed in most countries including in the United States. In America, the illegality of trading ambergris is just one part of a broader ban on whale hunting and exploitation. Luckily for Steven, ambergris is considered a waste product in the UK. So how much would ambergris cost?

Contraband

Floating Gold

Steven and Viola were shocked when they heard that another ambergris was found at the beach in Morecambe, not that far from the beach where they found theirs. And the ambergris found in Morecambe was sold for a staggering $155,000! How much would Steven and Viola’s piece of “floating gold” cost?

Floating Gold

Loads Of Cash

The Ambergris that was found in Morecambe was twice the size of the Whitten’s, it weighed 6 pounds. That means that the Whitten’s could sell their ambergris for about $65,000! Which is not bad for something that is considered as trash. So, what did Steven and Viola do with their discovery? 

Loads Of Cash

Following Their Dreams

Would the couple decide to pay their debt and mortgage? Or maybe file for early retirement? Steven told the Daily Mirror in a perfect example of “British restraint”, “If it would make a lot of money, It would go a long way towards buying us a static caravan. Just like what we always dreamed of.”

This is not the first story of people finding strange finds in their home, wait till you see what this couple from Ohio had in store in their new home, they never thought the FBI would eventually be involved…

Following Their Dreams

Demolition In Progress

This couple from Ohio had been working on the renovation of their ‘40s home when they stumbled upon the unthinkable. They were done with the first and second stories of the house, but it was time for them to work on the basement now. They had no clue what was waiting for them down there. They felt intrigued by the thing that they found after hacking at the plywood. However, it did not even occur to them that their discovery would mean launching a federal investigation. What did they find?

Demolition In Progress

Chipping Away

They began to hack away at the walls of the room. This was when the husband found graffiti all over the room. Even from the very beginning, this part of the house offered them a lot of surprises.

Chipping Away

A House Full Of Secrets

The homeowner could not believe what he was looking at when he pulled at the wallpaper. He was shocked by the drawings and writings all over the surface. This was only the beginning for them.

A House Full Of Secrets

Stuck In The Ceiling

They found something lodged between the ceiling and subfloor. He looked at it closely, but it was hard since the object was stuck between the rafters. He had to use his courage and strength to retrieve it.

Stuck In The Ceiling

Found Something Strange

The homeowner had not been paying all that much attention to the surroundings. He just kept working hard, cleaning the area, and hammering through it all. He made sure to use his camera to document it.

Found Something Strange

Mysterious Suitcase

Parts of the walls had been demolished when he began to take down the ceiling as well. As he kept going, he found an incredible secret. He would later notice a huge thing up there. It was a suitcase!

Mysterious Suitcase

Waiting For The Reveal

It was green and grey. Someone must have stored it there so that no one else would find it. He took it down but felt astonished by how heavy it was. What could be inside a suitcase like this one?

Waiting For The Reveal

One Heavy Suitcase

His gut told him that he must proceed with caution. He started to get feverish just because he felt excited by what hidden treasures were hiding there. He took a deep breath and decided to keep going.

One Heavy Suitcase

The Big Reveal

He called his wife about this discovery and waited for her to come home. He did not want his significant other to miss out on something like this. Aside from that, it was good to have a companion just in case.

The Big Reveal

What Could Be Inside?

Someone went through great pains to keep this suitcase hidden. But why? As he waited for his wife to return home, he started to survey the suitcase. He had no idea why it was this heavy.

What Could Be Inside?

Big Dreams In A Little Suitcase

It was rather small, but the mysteries hidden inside it must have been huge. He started to dwell on what was hiding inside the luggage. Without a doubt, it must be something super important or valuable.

Big Dreams In A Little Suitcase

Maybe It was Nothing

It was mind-boggling for him to find something like this. Of course, he was excited to see what was hiding inside the suitcase. As soon as his wife got home, he told her everything that he knew.

Maybe It Was Nothing

Christmas

We bet it felt just like Christmas for this guy. He was finally going to unwrap something as special as this discovery. Together, they talked about what possibilities there were. What was inside this box?

Christmas

What’s Inside?

Would they find cash? Jewelry? Cards? This renovator tried to lower expectations. Maybe it was full of old sports cards. It turns out that this was nowhere near the mark. What he found there will shock you.

What’s Inside?

Unwrapping The Mystery

The couple opened it together, but it was not like anything seemed off. They only saw wads of rectangular objects wrapped in wax paper. By then, it was still one big mystery to the husband and wife.

Unwrapping The Mystery

Full of Money

It was when they took out the bundles that it all clicked for them. They began to unwrap the wax papers they saw inside the suitcase. They were holding these things in their hands, but what were they?

Full of Money

Speechless Over The Money

He began to peel away the waxy material. That was when he realized that it was money! The bundle was actually a big stuck of $20 bills. This was only the first bundle among the bunch. Whoa.

Speechless Over The Money

So Much Cash

They looked at the bills even more and realized that they were old. They could not believe just how much cash there was inside. Who could have put all the money in there? And why?

So Much Cash

And More Money

“These are all twenties! There may be a couple thousand here! We are freaking out at this point,” the later told journalists. “This doesn’t happen to us! What do we do? Where are the cameras?”

And More Money

Endless Cash

They were both eager to start unwrapping the rest of the wads. Were they going to find the same thing all over again? Did they see anything even more valuable? The woman and man looked on in awe.

Endless Cash

At First, It Was Funny

They hoped to at least find the same thing with the other bundles. Excitedly, they started to peel away the layers of wax paper. This time, they did not find $20 bills but $50 and $100 bills instead. Whoa.

At First, It Was Funny

Old Money

“The second package didn’t have any twenties. It was all fifties! What is going on here? There could be 5 grand here! Wait! The third package is 100s! This is out of control!” he later said. What was happening?

Old Money

Dating The Cash

They found stacks of mysterious money in their own home. They initially thought it was funny but realized that it was not a joking matter. Where could all this money have come from? Who hid it there?

Dating The Cash

From the 1950s

But where did all the cash even come from? The state of the bills meant that they had been hidden there for a long time, maybe ever since the ‘20s and ‘30s. But just how much money was even there?

From the 1950s

A Pleasant Surprise

They looked into the matter more. Something soon became clear to the two of them. Everything, from the suitcase to the money, was old. They were very eager to get to the bottom of things, of course.

A Pleasant Surprise

They Had A Normal Life

They took out the bundles from this suitcase but got another surprise. It did, however, answer some of the questions they had. They found a newspaper at the bottom of the suitcase. What date was on it?

They Had A Normal Life

1951

The date on the paper showed them that it came from the 25 of March 1951. It was from an old publication known as the Cleveland Plain Dealer. They could not believe just how old it was.

1951

Had To Contact The Authorities

Apart from this, it was an issue from a local Cleveland newspaper. They were excited and surprised to find out more about this discovery. However, exactly how much would all that money be worth now?

Had To Contact The Authorities

More Things To Uncover

They just could not believe it. What made things even more amazing was that some of the bills were star bills. It meant that they did not make it to the markets! They came from more than 70 years ago.

More Things To Uncover

Never-Ending Findings

What an amazing find. They were shocked and surprised, which is why they contacted a lawyer to help them. According to the lawyer, the money that they found is worth about $23,000 in this day and age.

Never-Ending Findings

Back To Work

After a week of celebration, lawyers, and surprises, they decided to simply go back to their regular life. While overjoyed with their incredible find, enough was enough. However, this was not the end of it.

Back To Work

And Here We Go Again

Even those who find $23k in the ceiling will have to finish their home renovations. The DIY genius was in disbelief when he discovered yet another suitcase in the ceiling. What was going on here?

And Here We Go Again

Heavier Than The First

This renovator had also been alone when he found this second suitcase. There was no way he would not get excited! How could he have missed this one after finding the first one? Again, he waited for his wife.

Heavier Than The First

The New Suitcase

“This was a wild ride for us, and I hope you all enjoyed it, too,” he said on Reddit. “We are boring people and have been dumping our extra money to pay off our mortgage, and that is where this money will go too.”

The New Suitcase

Same But Different

He documented it all with the use of his camera. However, he did not know that there were more surprises in store for them. It was just natural for them to feel even more curious than they were.

Same But Different

The Search Continues

Was it possible that there were even more mysteries hiding in this house of theirs? Of course, they could not just leave the basement in its half-finished state. They had to keep on searching some more.

The Search Continues

A Bigger Fortune

After this, the homeowners knew that they had no choice but to finish the renovation of the house. This was exactly what they chose to do. However, they would get an even more shocking discovery soon.

A Bigger Fortune

The Wait Is Over

His wife walked through the doors at last. They opened the second suitcase and found even more thick wads of cash. Just how much money did they find inside of it this time around? Let us find out.

The Wait Is Over

What Else Was Hiding Here?

They had no idea that these wads of bills had not been the only thing hidden in their home. After getting back to work, this man saw one more case hidden between their rafters. What was it now?

What Else Was Hiding Here?

What They Found There

There was no way for them to forget the treasure they found, so they remained optimistic about this finding. The suitcase did not have the same thing inside of it. They did not find money in wax paper.

What They Found There

The Final Count

Would they just keep finding more of these things as they keep going with the renovation? He knew that it was likely going to be some other valuable items. He could not wait for his wife to get home again.

A Secret Door

Big Secrets

This suitcase looked exactly like the last one that they found. Could it be that it was hiding the same thing too? They did not want to waste a single moment as soon as she arrived home.

Big Secrets

A Secret Door

At last, the excitement brought about by the money-filled luggage subsided. It was time for them to work on their home even more. It was then that they stumbled upon a strange door on the second floor.

What They Found There

Finding Hiding Spots

The case was full of money arranged in an orderly manner. They gasped. How much money was inside this one? What else was hiding in their house? The sudden windfall was even greater than the first time.

Finding Hiding Spots

He Felt Nervous

They were shocked by just how lucky they got. Their fortune was proving to be even more unreal. They appraised their findings and found out that this one was worth around $45,000. Yes, they were rich!

He Felt Nervous

What Else Would They Uncover?

They were surprised and amazed at the same time. However, it only made them feel more determined to work on the home. They wanted to keep working at it. Who knows what else they would find?

What Else Would They Uncover?

Another Big Mystery

As they continued to work in the basement, they were wondering if this house was hiding even more secrets. Not once did it occur to them that they would need to contact the FBI later on.

Another Big Mystery

Full Of Secrets

They now knew that this was a house full of secrets. The couple had a lot of motivation to continue exploring the house. Their motivation only got bigger when they figured out the next place to look.

Full Of Secrets

Tearing Down The Door

They found a secret door that housed the water heater. At least this was what the realtor told them. They had a gut feeling that it was the perfect place to hide something small but valuable.

Tearing Down The Door

He Found More Mysteries

They looked behind the door. Their gut had been right all along. This was actually where they saw the biggest secret yet! They opened the small white door and saw that the realtor had lied to them.

He Found More Mysteries

They Were Fooled

This was not a room with the “water heater.” That was a lie the realtor said to make buyers believe that it was only a normal house. When they cracked open the door, they were shocked by what they saw.

They Were Fooled

Hidden Room

This hidden room was even bigger than they had in mind. It had been decorated with the use of carpet pieces. There was another surprise there. He told her to stay back. They had no idea what was in there.

Hidden Room

Door Number Two

He started to wonder, and his thoughts were all over the place. What was behind the door? We cannot imagine what it must be like to live in your house only to find out it had a part you did not know about.

Door Number Two

Something Sinister

Sadly, the door had been shut by a master lock and a bolt. The man was not planning to give up just yet. He was eager to figure out what was there. He rushed downstairs, took a hammer, and pounded it!

Something Sinister

They Couldn’t Handle This Alone

Apart from this, they could see that the room was in use for a fair amount of time. Someone clearly worked hard to hide this place. It was in pretty bad shape. Not only was it dark but it was also moldy.

They Couldn’t Handle This Alone

Uh Oh

While the homeowners had been staying there for several years already, it was the first time they ever ventured there. But the real question is why would anyone need to soundproof a room like this one?

Uh Oh

More Mysteries Down There

They jumped to the worst conclusion possible right away, of course. All the floors, walls, and ceiling had been covered with white soundproofing tarp. But what kind of noise had they been making down here?

More Mysteries Down There

What They Found

What was this place anyway? We know now that the husband tends to do things DIY. His curiosity makes perfect sense to us. He did not know what this part of his house was. Any ideas, folks?

What They Found

Full Of Jewels

This secret room was not empty. There was even a briefcase lying on the floor! He felt hesitant and stopped for a quick moment to simply collect his thoughts. This did not last all that long, however.

Full Of Jewels

The Strange Safe

Now, we all know that places with similar hiding places usually mean that something is off. It began as a fun home renovation project, but things quickly went down a sinister path after they opened the lock.

The Strange Safe

Hidden Inside

What things were in the briefcase? They found an old wooden box, watches, rings, 4 1 oz silver ingots, a jewelry box, and envelopes full of money from all over the world. Who owned these things anyway?

Hidden Inside

What Was Going On Here?

The door led to one more door. This was the room that came with the heavy soundproofing and white plastic tarp. Something about it did not sit right with him. Could it possibly be a torture chamber?

What Was Going On Here?

A Terrifying Note

As they kept looking around the room, they found something that cleared up several things about the room. As they explored its relics, they did find out that it was time for them to contact the authorities.

A Terrifying Note

He Was Terrified

They started to find more odd stuff inside this room. First, they found an old brown briefcase. They had been so lucky with the first two suitcases that they thought their luck would just keep going.

He Was Terrified

One More Warning

However, the couple would soon figure out that they were off the mark. They did not find anything good inside the bag. Like in the basement, they simply took a couple of photos and documented it all.

One More Warning

An Unsettling Detail

This was an experience that they would not like to forget. They felt curious about everything hiding in there, which was why they opened the case and took a peek inside. Inside was an assortment of valuables owned by some individuals. They saw expensive antique jewelry: watches, a ring, and 4 silver ingots.

An Unsettling Detail

They Needed The Police

There was something else there too. They found envelopes filled with money from different countries. They kept investigating and found a black Sentry safe in the corner of the room. What could this mean?

They Needed The Police

Some Disturbing Footage

What was hiding in this secret safe in an already secret room? The room was full of mystery and secrecy. He began to get intimidated as he knew that there was zero chance it contained common items.

Some Disturbing Footage

An Investigation Of Epic Proportions

No doubt, it would contain something he would not like to see. Everything inside looked valuable, but there must be a reason that it came with so many security measures. What secrets did this room hold?

An Investigation Of Epic Proportions

The FBI Is Here To Help

They were not wrong about this. He then put the thoughts in the back of his head and looked inside the safe. Upon opening it, he saw a note that verified his suspicions. It said, “Save yourself.” How ominous.

The FBI Is Here To Help

How Can You Be Sure?

The wording was already bad enough, but it felt even more sinister thanks to the rough penmanship and the black ink used to write it down. Who could have written this? What did these words mean?

How Can You Be Sure?

They Got Lucky

He was aware that the only way to find the truth would be to keep going with the investigation. After this, they saw more mystery items that made them feel very uncomfortable. It was time to call the cops.

They Got Lucky

Do Not

This man was very intrigued and kept digging deeper into the safe. However, he felt unsafe after seeing the next item in there. He found several tapes with a handwritten note. It said, “Do not.” Uh-oh.

How Can You Be Sure?

VHS Tapes

The records were in videotape format. If he wanted to get to the bottom of this, he needed to watch them. What was he going to see? This man took out the tapes inside the safe and inspected them.

VHS Tapes

Newer

He was taken aback after noticing that they looked a lot newer than the other things there. He was scared after noticing this, but it did not tell him anything else. On the tapes, there were a series of numbers that seemed like labels.

Newer

Police

There was one tape that did not have such a label, however. Five out of six came with tags. Did someone make them for a game of sorts? It was getting out of control. At last, they wanted to call the authorities.

Police

The Curiosity

The homeowner could no longer contain his curiosity. It was how he found out what was inside the tapes. After taking a look at them, he called the authorities. He wanted them to come over right away.

The Curiosity

Confiscated

The FBI confiscated the tapes. What they contained remains a secret between the agents, homeowners, and the makers. In the end, the curiosity of the husband led to a discovery that he would rather unsee.

Confiscated

A Mystery

It is likely that we will not ever find out what the hidden tapes contained. The press has theorized that it was likely footage of some kind of crime that took place in the soundproofed room. What do you think?

A Mystery

Questions

This investigation then led to a lot of questions about the place. Everything from the hidden bundles of money to the mysterious tapes was very suspect. Just who were the people who lived in this house?!

Questions

Other Secrets

Could there be more secrets waiting to be uncovered? How would feel if you found the same items in your house? Perhaps the most pressing question is… can you say there is nothing like this in your home?

Other Secrets

Lucky

The couple was lucky that they did not get hurt from making these incredible discoveries. It was a good thing that they had the presence of mind to call the cops. This was truly a unique experience for them.

Lucky