The mysterious white ‘lard like’ substance washed up on Port Erin beach last weekend is either animal or vegetable fat, according to the coastguard.
While the substance is not toxic, it could have been in the sea for some time and is rancid and ‘full of bacteria’ said operations officer Michael MacDonald, so should not be eaten by dogs.
Notices have been placed at points around the island warning pet owners of the potential danger and that dogs should be kept on leads.
The substance washed up on Port Erin beach – some of golf ball-size while other pieces were approximately one foot square and three or four inches deep – has been recovered by the coastguard. It had also been spotted on the coastline in the north. White substance was found on Laxey beach but it has not been confirmed as the same as that washed up in Port Erin.
The Cornish Times is also reporting deposits of a ‘white, waxy substance’ found over the weekend on the county’s north coast. It first appeared in the area in October and was found to be edible oil or fat.