Spiel und Spaß auf @Insel_Langeoog: Nach Sturm Zehntausende Innenteile von Überraschungseiern angespült. https://t.co/SQYi36S8D7#Langeoogpic.twitter.com/Q9czJpxp8t
— Burkhard Ewert (@burkhardewert) January 4, 2017
On Wednesday evening, a Danish cargo ship ran into a vicious storm on its way back from China, losing five containers in the process. As a result, this morning, kids on the German island of Langeoog woke up to a treat—thousands of Kinder eggs scattered across the shore.
The wrappers and chocolate had washed off, so the tide line was strewn with colorful plastic eggs, each with a toy inside. Residents immediately took to this sea-sponsored scavenger hunt, filling bags with the treasures, The Local reports.
Tausende Ü-Eier am Strand von #Langeoog: Sturmtief #Axel war heute auf jeden Fall für eine Überraschung gut! :-) https://t.co/oNcfvB62Odpic.twitter.com/volctOMeXG
— WESER-KURIER (@weserkurier) January 4, 2017
By the afternoon, the egg cleanup was complete, but the ocean had more presents for the island's kiddos. Legos—much harder to gather, and dangerous to sea creatures—were washing ashore. "This isn't funny anymore," the mayor said. What's next?
Every day, we track down a fleeting wonder—something amazing that’s only happening right now. Have a tip for us? Tell us about it! Send your temporary miracles tocara@atlasobscura.com.