How one man’s near-death experience led to the discovery of the first Jurassic sea dragon in Wales

Matthew Myerscough with the rear paddle from a plesiosaur – possibly a Thalassiodracon or ‘sea dragon’ – that he found in Somerset. Photograph: Ceri Oakes Matthew Myerscough with the rear paddle from a plesiosaur – possibly a Thalassiodracon or ‘sea dragon’ – that he found in Somerset. Photograph: Ceri Oakes Seascape: the state of our oceans Fossils How one man’s near-death experience led to the discovery of the first Jurassic sea dragon in Wales Matthew Myerscough’s remarkable find is one of many detailed in his new book. But his journey into fossil hunting began years earlier, when he was caught in an avalanche