Prosthetic Leg Lost to the Sea Was Found Months Later

A 68-year-old woman lost a waterproof titanium prosthetic leg at Bridlington beach last April; a fossil hunter found the prosthesis about 10 months later on a nearby shore and it was returned to her.

Brenda Ogden lost a waterproof titanium prosthetic leg at Bridlington beach last April when a wave knocked her down and carried the limb away. She had gone to try ocean swimming and planned to remove the prosthesis before entering the water. Volunteers searched local beaches and friends raised funds to replace the device, but she had largely given up on ocean swimming. About ten months later a fossil hunter found the prosthesis wedged among rocks and a social media post led to its return. The limb was reunited with Ms. Ogden on the beach where it was lost. What is known: - Ms. Ogden, 68, lost the waterproof titanium prosthetic while at Bridlington after a wave knocked her down. - Friends donated funds for the waterproof blade, reported to cost about $2,700, and local volunteers searched for the limb after the loss. - Lizi Forbes, a fossil hunter, saw the prosthesis wedged in rocks in Atwick, photographed it and posted the find to a local Facebook group. - After the post circulated, Ms. Forbes returned at low tide, retrieved the prosthesis and it was brought back to Ms. Ogden. - Ms. Ogden said the leg may need maintenance before use and that the reunion has given her renewed motivation to pursue swimming and running. Summary: The return of the prosthesis rekindled Ms. Ogden’s interest in water and land activities and provided a morale boost. She reported hoping the device can be serviced for future use and said she aims to continue swimming and to run again, including a goal of the London Marathon.