The picturesque Welsh seaside town of Porthcawl has been plunged into an unexpected mystery after a beloved 25-foot inflatable duck vanished from its harbour mooring without a trace.
Local harbourmaster Chris Page confirmed the bizarre disappearance, stating the giant yellow duck was securely tethered in the inner harbour before it somehow went missing. The duck, which had become something of an unofficial mascot for the town, was last seen on Tuesday evening.
Community Baffled by Disappearance
Local residents and business owners have expressed both confusion and disappointment at the duck's sudden absence. The inflatable attraction had become a popular talking point and photo opportunity for visitors to the harbour area.
"It's really quite strange," one local shop owner commented. "One day it was there, bobbing happily in the water, and the next it had completely vanished. We're all wondering what could have happened to it."
No Signs of Foul Play
South Wales Police confirmed they had received a report about the missing inflatable but indicated there were no immediate signs of criminal activity. A spokesperson noted that high winds or technical failure with the tethering equipment could potentially explain the disappearance.
The duck had been a fixture in the harbour for several weeks, drawing smiles from children and adults alike with its cheerful presence against the backdrop of the traditional seaside setting.
Search Efforts Underway
Local boat owners and fishermen have been keeping an eye out for the distinctive yellow inflatable, which would be difficult to miss if it had simply broken free and drifted away.
"We're hoping it might just have floated off and could be recovered from somewhere along the coast," Mr Page explained. "It's quite a substantial inflatable, so it shouldn't be too difficult to spot if it's still in one piece."
The mystery continues to capture the imagination of the local community, with many taking to social media to share theories about the duck's whereabouts and hoping for its safe return to its harbour home.
