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Waxy Lumps Wash Ashore on East Frisian Islands as Police Probe Source

Authorities suspect paraffin possibly from ship tank washings.

Overview

  • Waxy white and yellow lumps have washed up on the beaches of Norderney, Borkum and Juist.
  • On Borkum, authorities recorded deposits along about 20 kilometers of shoreline.
  • Beach crews are removing the material after staff from the Lower Saxony water and coastal agency reported the finds.
  • The Wasserschutzpolizei in Emden has opened an investigation to identify the maritime source.
  • Officials say the wax is likely paraffin, a non-toxic petroleum product used in candles and creams that can reach the sea when tankers wash out their tanks, and they report no immediate risk to visitors.