Substance washes up on UK beaches

This article is from the Coastguard Facebook page -

We are asking members of the public to keep a close eye on their dogs and to keep them on leads if they see an unusual substance on beaches around the UK. We’ve had reports that some beaches have had a waxy substance wash up on their shores like in these photos.

We are currently investigating the origins of this material.

Past incidents have shown it is likely to be residues from a vessel that has cleaned its tanks after discharging its cargo.

This type of substance could be harmful to dogs, so we recommend that people keep their dogs within sight, preferably on leads, whilst enjoying the coast. If you do see a whitish sponge like substance in appearance that looks out of place on the beach then please report it to the UK Coastguard.

The local Coastguard number is 01305 760439

We are not aware of any on the beaches of Swanage at this time although there has previously been palm oil washed up by Sheps Hollow which this substance could be.

Washed up

We have had several reports of this buoy being washed up at the north end of the bay.

Its believed to be oceanographic buoy and the owners have been contacted in Canada who confirm its safe and contains nothing dangerous.

Sadly it's missing its important record number which could tell the owners where its come from.

Mean while the team were called out today to another strange item washed up at the end of the bay. At this time it would appear to be a large lump of lard however enquiries are continuing. These lumps have washed up in several areas in the south west and have made dogs ill so please bear in mind if walking on the beach.

Whilst not in this country a beach walker in Germany picked up what he thought was a yellow looking stone and put it in his pocket. This stone was in fact a piece of phosphorus and whilst in the gentleman's pocket caught fire and burnt him badly.

If you find something unusual on the beach please do contact the Coastguard. With these winter storms we have had many things come ashore.

Stormy times

The team were tasked this morning to near the lifeboat slipway after reports of debris being washed up. Large amounts of wood and diesel was being washed in from Peveril Point to the sailing club. The team arrived and searched the shoreline, removing any hazardous items like fuel cans or small gas cylinders.

It was soon discovered the remains were from a boat that had been towed to safety during the week and put on a mooring awaiting the owner to collect it. Sadly over night it appears the boat broke up in rough seas.

The pollution was thankfully being broken up by the action of the waves and tide with the rest of the boat being the responsibility of the owner to clear up.




The day didn't end there, this little yacht had been the focus of attention this week due to the seamanship of the owner. It's not the 1st time the owner had been rescued will colleagues in the Littlehampton area been out 4 times to him.

Well having spent a day away, the male returned to his yacht and found it just short of the pier having survived the nights storm.

Despite advice from locals he decided to head off to Poole .....well that was the plan. Crossing the bay a rope managed to get caught around the propeller and this time the owner requested assistance. Swanage RNLI inshore lifeboat launched and soon was alongside to resolve the problem. It was decided to tow the boat to Poole so Poole Lifeboat came out to take over the tow.

This is now 6 times this individual has had to be rescued.

The Great Dorset Beach Clean 2009

Yes folks a very worthy Sunday afternoon activity. The Great Dorset Beach Clean starting 2pm-4pm outside Ocean Bay.

More here:-

http://www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=390958

More take home a bottle …than bring a bottle!

Come along, a nice easy walk and the bonus of helping our community.

Oil v wildlife

The other day when I was working in the station, a local fisherman knocked on the door saying there were oiled guillemotes down at Peveril Point.

I popped straight over to see these two birds clearly covered in some form of oil and as most people know if these birds start to ingest the oil it tends to be fatal for them.

Having reported the situation to the Operations room to get some specialist treatment, a check was carried out along the shoreline for further birds or signs of oil on the beach.

Oil is an important commodity to the world, but sometimes to the cost of wildlife, so its important that oiled birds or oil on the beach is always reported to the Coastguard so samples can be taken and traced, leading to prosecution of the offenders.

What happened to the above two......well as I went to get our bird boxes, they decided to go for a swim, however they were caught later and taken up to Durlston Country Park, who passed them on to be cleaned up.