Numerous paraffin lumps up to 20 centimeters have been found on the coasts of the islands of Yust, Norderna and Borkum in the North Sea. The contamination has covered a large part of the northern coast, and its source is currently being established.
According to the administration of the island of Justice, almost the entire 17-kilometer coastline is covered with paraffin. Representatives of the resort infrastructure report that the detected lumps are now investigated for toxicity. Although paraffin is considered harmless, visitors are recommended not to touch it without protection, as it can contain impurities and decomposes in nature very slowly.
According to one version, paraffin could get into the water as a result of illegal washing of tanks of one of the vessels. By 2021, such practices were widespread, but they are now prohibited because of environmental risks. In the NABU Conservation Union, it reminds that the drainage of washing water into the sea after paraffin transport is a direct violation of environmental legislation.
At this point, the threat to tourists has not been officially recorded, but the extent of contamination gives grounds for concern. Environmentalists still have to evaluate the impact on the marine fauna, as well as identify the perpetrators.
