North Sea shipping collision update: Plastic pellets sighted on parts of Lincolnshire coastline

Shared on behalf of Lincolnshire Resilience Forum.

Reports of plastics pellets, known as nurdles, have been reported to have washed up on some of Lincolnshire's beaches.

This information was first reported to authorities around 6.30pm yesterday (Tuesday March 18), as a result of the collision between two vessels on the east coast last week and involved sightings of the pellets south of Skegness pier. Further reports in other areas such as Chapel St Leonards are also being investigated. 

The Environment Agency has advised that these nurdles are not hazardous so the risk to the public is low, though there may be a smell from them, and pet owners, particularly dog walkers, are advised to keep animals away from them in case they are ingested.

If you see any of the pellets, or possible pollution along the coast or surrounding areas, please call Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre on 0344 382 0580 or email zone8@hmcg.gov.uk . If possible, please provide a 'What Three Words' location or a grid reference to assist HM Coastguard to identify the exact location. Please do not pick them up because while they are not believed to be hazardous, they need to be contained to restrict the spread of them.

The LRF has been working with the MCA since the incident, and other agencies, to respond to this and continues to do so now in response to reports of these pellets emerging in Lincolnshire. Plans for clean-up are already underway and will start as soon as possible.

More information can also be found on the MCA website: Updates: Vessels incident off coast of East Yorkshire | HM Coastguard UK