Beach birds alert linked to wood ship

Billy Elliott, of the Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service (WADARS), was called to the beach next to the Aquarena, last Wednesday to rescue a razorbill covered in thick, tar-like oil.

The bird was taken to a RSPCA centre in Hastings where the oil was cleaned off. It is now recovering well.

An oiled guillemot was also rescued by WADARS from Rustington beach on Saturday.

Billy said: "Razorbills and guillemots live their lives out at sea. When we receive calls to say one has been found on the beach, we know something is wrong.

"Unfortunately, only about 60 per cent of birds that have been covered with oil will survive."

Billy said there was no evidence the oil on the birds found along West Sussex beaches is the same as the oil that was on board the Ice Prince. But he said: "Ever since the ship sank and the wood washed up on the beach, we've been picking up oiled birds. It would be foolish not to link the two."

Billy has warned people not to attempt to wash oiled birds and to contact WADARS or a nearby veterinary surgery.

A warning has also been issued to dog owners about oil on the beaches after a dog was left covered in oil on Rustington beach at the weekend.

Billy said: "Oil would have similar effects on dogs as birds. It will stick to their fur and when the animal tries to lick it off they will ingest some which could damage the liver and other organs."