A deadly green mamba was found on a vessel in Aberdeen, Scotland, after it hitched a ride from West Africa.
The startling snake discovery was made on the 8,300-dwt UAL Bodewes (built 2012) last week, the Evening Express reported.
The nearest anti-venom was hundreds of miles away should anyone have been bitten.
Fortunately the interloper was put safely in a box by brave port workers who recognised its danger.
It was said to be docile at the time.
The animal was taken off the vessel under a police escort and later killed after attempts to re-home it failed.
Bites can be fatal to humans in as little as 30 minutes.
