Investigations are underway to ascertain the source of a sticky substance that has resulted in a number of sea birds being washed up on the east coast of the Isle of Wight this weekend.
A number of Guillemots and Razorbills – both dead and alive – have been discovered on beaches between Bembridge and Ventnor sparking a rescue operation by the Isle of Wight Wild Bird Rehabilitation Centre and West Wight Pet Lifeline.
HM Coastguard are working to identify any pollution at sea, with Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team called out to Shanklin last night. The team are also conducting visual searches along the coast today.
It is thought the substance, which is very sticky but not oily, may be a derivative of Palm Oil, which congeals in colder temperatures.
Initially 2 birds were found deceased on Shanklin beach, followed by the discovery of a living bird – which has been nicknamed Gilly. Since then, a further 8 birds have been discovered on the Island with a number of other birds found on beaches at Selsey and East Whittering.
