Beach clean-up operation under way after insulation foam washes ashore

The plastic insulation foam, began to wash up on the shoreline at Hastings, Winchelsea Beach and Camber on Tuesday morning. It is believed to have come from a cargo ship container spillage.

Members of local marine conservation group Strandliners were joined by other public volunteers, who worked in rainy conditions to gather up and remove the foam on Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Amanda Jobson, from the group, said: “We cleared much of the foam but there may be more towards Bulverhythe in West St Leonards. Thank you to all the locals who came out in the rain to help.”

The incident follows a major pollution spill in October which saw millions of plastic micro-beads washing ashore at Hastings and Camber.

Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore said she has spoken to the Environment Agency following the discovery of the foam and thanked volunteers for their efforts.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We are closely monitoring the potential impact of the incident to wildlife and water, as well as giving environmental advice to partner organisations.

“If you find washed-up waste or cargo, do not touch it and report any additional container sightings to the coastguard on 0344 382 0560.”

Founded in 2012, Strandliners is a volunteer grassroots non-profit organisation based in East Sussex. Strandliners is a UN Ocean Ambassador.