Warnings are being issued to dog owners and beachgoers after shipping containers and debris washed up along parts of the Sussex coastline following recent stormy weather.
Seaford Town Council has urged people to keep dogs well away from shipping containers that have come ashore locally. The warning follows an incident yesterday morning, when the Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Team was called out just before 8am to assess the situation and ensure public safety.
Council officials say the containers may be unstable, contain sharp edges or hazardous materials, and could shift suddenly with changing tides or weather conditions, posing a serious risk to people and pets.
Meanwhile, Eastbourne Borough Council is advising residents and visitors to avoid sections of beach where large amounts of polystyrene debris have been washing ashore. The lightweight material is believed to be linked to damaged cargo at sea and can break into smaller pieces, spreading quickly along the shoreline.
Further along the coast, similar reports have emerged from Elmer near Bognor Regis, Hastings and Camber, where chunks of plastic insulation foam have also been found on beaches. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the impact on wildlife, particularly seabirds and marine animals that may mistake the material for food.
Authorities are urging the public not to touch or attempt to move any containers or debris and to report significant finds to the coastguard. Dog owners are being asked to keep pets on leads in affected areas.
Clean-up operations are ongoing, and further warnings may be issued as conditions continue to be monitored.
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