The Port of Felixstowe issued a warning on 14 May regarding a suspected deposit of soot that was discovered in the water.
The Port of Felixstowe and the East Suffolk Council responded to a marine pollution incident on 14 May where it was reported that a vessel discharged soot. The Council urged members of the public to avoid coming into contact with any soot-like residue in the water or on the shore near the port.
“Although any risk to public health is currently considered low, anyone who comes into contact is advised to wash the substance away thoroughly with soap and water” a council spokesperson said.
Following an investigation, the incident has been declared closed and there is no evidence of pollution having reached the shoreline at Felixstowe and any remaining pollution of water should disperse naturally.
However, due to the direction of the wind, some sooty residues were reported on parked vehicles in Harwich, the East Suffolk Council warns. Any risk to public health is minimal but the advice remains to avoid coming into direct contact with the sooty residue and to use soapy water to wash it away.
