Palm Oil suspected on Folkestone and Sandgate beaches

Folkestone Coastguard were paged on Sunday by Dover CGOC to reports of a white substance washed up on the beaches from Folkestone to Sandgate.

On investigation we found quantities of a yellowish-white substance along the High Water mark stretching from the Warren to Seabrook. Working with the Environment agency we checked all along this part of the coast and passed the locations, description and photographs back to the CGOC.

It is believed this is probably Palm Oil and so we would like to advise all dog owners to keep their dogs away from it as it can be toxic to animals.

It is yellowish-white in colour, in varying sized pieces scattered all along the high water mark - dogs can be quite attracted to it and may lick or eat it so please avoid it or keep your dog on a lead until further information is issued.

Shepway District Council have now taken over this incident and will be placing signs up with relevant information.

We would ask you to share this information across the area particularly with dog owners.