Shipwreck may have caused mystery gas cloud in East Sussex, coastguard says
Written by News on 03/09/2017
A gas cloud which affected hundreds of people on the East Sussex coast could have been caused by a shipwreck, the coastguard says.
Residents were urged to keep windows closed after the unknown haze reached the shore on Sunday, prompting evacuations and causing 150 people to seek treatment for streaming eyes, sore throats and nausea.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency said the possible causes for the chemical cloud include discharges from a vessel, previously unreported lost cargo, and emissions from known shipwrecks.
In a statement, it said: "We have identified approximately 180 vessels that passed through the English Channel off the coast of Eastbourne on Sunday 27 August.
"We are working with all relevant Environmental and Public Health regulators to conclude these investigations."
Initially, it was believed the haze may have been caused by chemicals drifting over the English Channel.
However, the Met Office said weather models indicated it was unlikely the haze came from northern France.
Irritation was first reported by tourists visiting the clifftops and beach at Birling Gap near Eastbourne just before 5pm on Sunday.
Some said they could smell chlorine, but the fire service said it was "extremely unlikely" to have been the chemical.
The effects of the haze were reported as far as Bexhill and towards Hastings, more than 20 miles away.
Patients were given full decontamination treatment as a precaution but police said it was soon clear that this was unnecessary.
People were advised to wash all over with soap and water.
Mark Battershill, who was one of those affected, told Sky News he was left with stinging eyes and a sore throat after coming into contact with the mystery chemical.
He said some people had complained that they were having difficulty breathing.
(c) Sky News 2017: Shipwreck may have caused mystery gas cloud in East Sussex, coastguard says
