Update: Wednesday 11 November, 3.50pm
Oil deposits are now confirmed at Minnis Bay, Grenham Bay and Epple Bay in Birchington, and West Bay in Westgate-on-Sea.
Access to the affected beaches is not permitted.
Updated list of affected beaches:
- Minnis Bay
- Grenham Bay
- Epple Bay
- West Bay
- St Mildred’s Bay
- Westbrook Bay
- Margate Main Sands
- Walpole Bay
- Palm Bay
- Botany Bay
- Kingsgate Bay
- Joss Bay
- Stone Bay
- Viking Bay
- Louisa Bay
- Dumpton Gap
- Ramsgate East Cliff
- Ramsgate Main Sands
Update: Wednesday 11 November, 2.25pm
There are significant deposits of oil along Thanet’s coastline. So far deposits have been found at beaches from Westbrook Bay in Margate to Ramsgate Main Sands.
Inspections by the council’s coastal engineers are underway and signs will be placed at relevant locations to warn the public of the incident and notify them that access to the beach is not permitted.
Dog owners must not take their dogs onto the affected beaches.
The decision to restrict access to affected beaches has not been taken lightly.
Members of the public are strongly advised to stay away from any deposits of oil and to report any sightings to the council on 01843 577000.
Affected beaches:
- Westbrook Bay
- Margate Main Sands
- Walpole Bay
- Palm Bay
- Botany Bay
- Kingsgate Bay
- Joss Bay
- Stone Bay
- Viking Bay
- Louisa Bay
- Dumpton Gap
- Ramsgate East Cliff
- Ramsgate Main Sands
Oil deposits found on Thanet beaches – Wednesday 11 November 2026
We are aware of oil deposits on a number of Thanet’s beaches.
Officers are inspecting the area. Signs will be placed at affected beaches to warn the public of the incident and notify them that access to the beach is not permitted.
More information will follow.
