Maritime & Coastguard Agency statement: Birling Gap incident

A 'haze' that is causing discomfort for people along the coast from Eastbourne to Birling Gap in Sussex has prompted emergency services to warn people to stay away from the beaches and to keep doors and windows closed, if living near the coast.

The first report came from Birling Gap just before 5pm on Sunday (August 27) where up to 50 people had been affected by irritation to eyes and throats. The UK Coastguard, Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and the South Eastern Ambulance Service are all involved in dealing with the incident.

Coastguard Rescue Teams from Birling Gap, Eastbourne, Bexhill and Newhaven have been involved in clearing the beaches in the area.
RNLI Lifeboats from Eastbourne and Newhaven have been assisting by searching for people stuck on the shoreline.

Steve Carson, commander with the UK Coastguard said: ‘We are working with the other emergency services in the area to help all those affected. Our Coastguard teams are out clearing the beaches. Please help us by leaving the beach if you are asked to.’

This seems to have been caused by an unknown haze coming in from the sea, but the source has not yet been established. People living along the coast in the area have been advised by emergency services to keep doors and windows shut and to move away from the Birling Gap area in particular.


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