'Do not touch' - South Tyneside warning issued after Tyne Dock accident debris floods beaches
The public are being urged to be careful on South Tyneside beaches after plastic was washed onto shore.
Visitors to beaches in South Tyneside are being told to be careful and keep dogs on leads after plastic pellets washed up on North East beaches.
It is thought the pellets, known as ‘nurdles’ fell into the sea following an incident at Tyne Dock over the weekend which saw a crane collapse.
South Tyneside Council are urging the public to not touch the pellets on beaches and keep dogs on leads.
In a full statement to social media, the council said: “We are responding to reports of plastic pellets known as ‘nurdles’ washing up on sections of Littlehaven beach following a vessel collision in the River Tyne on Sunday July 19 2026.
Working alongside the Environment Agency, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Port of Tyne and other partner organisations, we are assessing the extent of the contamination and any potential environmental impacts.
“The public are advised to avoid handling the pellets and keep dogs on leads. Our priority is protecting the coastline and supporting the coordinated response being led by the relevant agencies and those responsible for the incident.
“Council teams are monitoring affected locations and are supporting any clean-up activity undertaken by specialist contractors.
“We will continue to keep residents informed as information becomes available.”
One person was injured following the collapse of the crane. They were taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
Nurdles are used by manufacturers across the world to make everyday plastic items.
It is not yet known if the pellets will impact local wildlife.