PET owners have been advised to stay away from Harwich and Dovercourt beach following reports of a deadly substance.
Due to spring tides, a waxy oil substance, believed to be palm oil, has been washed up on the shores and could potentially continue to do so for the next few days.
Felixstowe Coastguard rescue team have advised people keep their dogs and pets away as the oil can be fatal if ingested.
Tendring District Council posted on social media: “We’re aware of some palm oil washing up along parts of our coastline.
“We’ve found a large quantity in one place and are clearing this as tides allow. It’s in quite a remote site and is heavy so needs careful handling.
“Our team are in the process of clearing what has been washed up along sections of our district's coastline and are doing everything they can to solve the problem.
“In the meantime, please take care while walking your dogs along our coastline as the substance can be harmful to them.”
Palm oil looks like a white, waxy substance and can be contaminated with fuel waste, bacteria and other toxins.
If your pet has ingested the substance then it is advised they are taken to an emergency vet as soon as possible.
A spokesman from HM Coastguard said: “It could be a number of different substances, including paraffin wax and vegetable oils.
“This particular incident may be the result of a permitted discharge of fluids generated as part of a cargo tank’s washing procedures.
“These substances are essentially the residue within the tanks which have being discharged, along with the waste water generated through the cleaning process.
“The physical properties of the product are such that it may solidify once discharged to sea, due to the comparatively low average sea temperatures found off the UK.
“It is also important to note not all vessels would necessarily have arrived at or departed from a UK port, they may simply have been travelling through, or close to, UK waters while carrying out tank washing operations.
“Therefore it is often difficult to trace the origins of where the ‘palm oil’ has originated from.”
The coastguard has advised anyone who believes they have seen the oil on the beach to report it to them where disposal will be arranged as quickly as possible.
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