Oldest known message in bottle washes ashore

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A century-old message in a bottle, possibly the oldest ever found, finally reached its destination. (Marine Biological Association of the U.K. via AP)

The oldest known message in a bottle to wash up was recently discovered on a beach in Germany. The Marine Biological Association of the UK made photos of the bottle public on Aug. 21. The bottle with a postcard inside was thrown into the North Sea sometime between 1904-1906 and washed up on Amrum in April.

A couple found the bottle, according to the MBA.  A note on the postcard asked it be sent to the MBA, which they did.

George Parker Bidder, who was president of the MBA  from 1939-1945, tossed more than 1,000 bottles into the water to learn more about ocean patterns, particularly bottom water movement.

The Guinness Book of World Record has reportedly been asked to confirm the bottle is the oldest known to wash ashore.

For more information on Bidder and his role in studying oceans, visit MBA.AC.UK.COM