Over the years we have published many articles about items washing ashore on the Alabama coast. There have been ancient boats, caucuses of whales, proverbial messages in the bottle and of course the many bails of marijuana or bricks of cocaine. But now Gulf Shores Police discovered a new items and are seeking assistance.

An unusual discovery was made on the beaches of Gulf Shores last week. A funeral urn containing human ashes washed ashore after apparently being released into the Gulf of Mexico. (See image below.)

The Gulf Shores Police Department reported that officers responded to a call on April 17, 2025. Someone found the mysterious container in the 1600 block of West Beach Boulevard.

According to Detective Carl Wittstruck, the urn was placed in the Gulf as part of someone's final wishes. However, instead of drifting out to sea, the container made its way back to shore.

"Whether by divine intervention, the Gulf current, or perhaps the departed's desire to stay close, the urn made its way back to shore," the police department stated in their official release.

The biggest challenge facing authorities is that the urn has no name or identification. This makes it impossible to contact family members who might want to try again with the sea burial.

Police hope that someone will recognize the situation and come forward. They want to return the urn to the proper family and help complete the person's final wishes correctly.

Anyone with information about the urn or its owner should contact the Gulf Shores Police Department. They can call 251-968-2431 or email gspdpio@gulfshoresal.gov.