Home   Romney Marsh   News   Article

Mystery white waxy lumps on beaches between St Mary's Bay and Greatstone not poisonous palm oil

A second white wax scare has been allayed.

Tests have now found that the mystery white waxy lumps found on Marsh beaches is not poisonous palm oil.

A simiar fear in January, when the substance was also washed up, had also been ended.

Suspected palm oil was found washed up on Folkestone beaches earlier this year. Picture courtesy of Folkestone Coastguard.
Suspected palm oil was found washed up on Folkestone beaches earlier this year. Picture courtesy of Folkestone Coastguard.

A Shepway District Council said yesterday : “We have now received the analysis of the white waxy substance that was reported washed up on beaches between St Marys Bay and Greatstone.

It has been confirmed that it is not palm oil but a waxy mineral substance. You should still keep dogs away from it and are advised not to touch it.”

Littlestone beach, where mystery white wax was found.
Littlestone beach, where mystery white wax was found.

The council says it has cleared up what was found but has warned members of the public to report any more that they see.

Shepway council had reported sightings of the substance on Monday last week and had taken away samples for analysis.

Similar lumps were found on beaches at Folkestone, Hythe and Sandgate in late January, whch were feared to be palm oil.

And again tests ruled this out, showing that they were a mineral oil thought to have come from passing ships.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More