The Floatees (a flock of plastic ducks, frogs, beavers and turtles) have had a long journey. More than a decade ago, a container holding 29,000 of America's favorite bathtub toys fell off a cargo ship during a North Pacific storm. Curtis Ebbesmeyer, a retired oceanographer, has been tracking the plastic playthings from Hawaii to Alaska, through the Bering Strait and Arctic waters and now into the North Atlantic. According to Ebbesmeyer, some of the Floatees are due to come ashore in New England, Canada and Iceland at any moment.
Avon, Massachusetts-based The First Years, Inc. - a leading maker of infant and toddler care, feeding and play products, including the famed ducks - is planning to welcome the entire flock home with open arms. Anyone who finds anyone of the toys is encouraged to call The First Years' Parents Service Center at 1-800-317-3194.
Once The First Years confirms the authenticity of the Floatee(s) sighting, the discoverer of these durable toys will receive a $100 U.S. Savings Bond. The First Years also will report the discoveries to oceanographer Ebbesmeyer, who will incorporate the data into his studies seeking to better understand the earth's ocean currents.
Produced for The First Years
Contact:
Darlene Hollywood
dhollywood@thefirstyears.com
Carrie Williams
carrie@tomasettipr.com
