NewsRubber Duck from 2006 World Record Attempt Lands in Orkneys After 18-Year Voyage

Rubber Duck from 2006 World Record Attempt Lands in Orkneys After 18‑Year Voyage

The lost plastic duck was washed up on the Orkneys after 18 years.

Images source: © Getty Images

6:37 PM EDT, April 11, 2024, updated: 9:58 AM EDT, April 12, 2024

After 18 years of traveling the sea, a plastic duck washes ashore in the Orkneys, marking an unusual chapter in a world record attempt

When 13-year-old Filip Miller stumbled upon a rubber duck on Stronsay Island's beach during a routine walk with his dog, little did he know he was about to uncover a piece of history. Initially contemplating disposing of the duck, Filip's curiosity was piqued when he noticed an intriguing inscription on it.

In a BBC Radio Orkney interview, Finder's mother said they noticed an inscription about the world record duck race in Ireland in 2006. "We got quite excited then and we looked up online, and saw the information about this duck race," she added.

The discovery revealed that the duck was part of a massive release of 150,000 ducks into Dublin's Liffey River in 2006, orchestrated by the Children’s Lifeline Challenge (CLC) group in an ambitious duck race world record attempt. Sponsored by Today FM radio, the event was intended to allow the ducks to travel a mile down the river.

Ducks now navigate the globe

Contrary to plans, many of the ducks veered off course. The event's victor was awarded a trip to the United States. Meanwhile, other ducks embarked on extensive journeys through the world's waters, reaching destinations as far-flung as Stronsay Island. Notably, one made landfall at Langness in 2022, discovered by 16-year-old Charlotte Moran.

Additional remarkable findings include a duck found by Nick Westell in Morecambe on St. Patrick's Day, 2016, and another that remarkably voyaged to Sweden.