Mountaineer who began fossil hunting after near-death experience discovers rare 'sea dragon'

Matthew Myerscough, a civil engineer and mountaineer, discovered a rare marine reptile jawbone during his post-avalanche recovery. After being buried in an avalanche on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) in 2014, Myerscough suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and turned to fossil hunting on Lavernock Point beaches in Wales. His efforts led to the discovery of a 200-million-year-old plesiosaur jawbone, a previously unknown species in Wales.

He collaborated with experts, who confirmed it was a rhomaleosaurus, or sea dragon. The find is currently being researched at the National Museum Cardiff, and Myerscough hopes it will result in an academic paper. Fossil hunting, Myerscough believes, offers a therapeutic escape from stress, similar to mindfulness practices like yoga or watching films.

He emphasizes the importance of patience and observation when searching for fossils, often relying on a hand lens and good hiking gear. Myerscough has authored a book, "In Search of Sea Dragons: A Fossil Hunter's Odyssey," detailing his experiences in the pursuit of rare discoveries.