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Oiled Seabirds Wash Ashore on Dutch Coast as Coastguard Probes Source

A wind change has slowed new strandings, prompting carers to focus on washing birds with oil and dish soap.

Overview

  • Faunavisie in Westernieland had washed eight birds by midday Wednesday, with additional arrivals ferried from Schiermonnikoog.
  • Caregivers use vegetable oil to loosen the residue before dish soap and warm water, then rewarm and feed the weakened birds.
  • Wildlife centers on Texel and in Den Helder have also admitted contaminated seabirds, pointing to a broader coastal impact.
  • The source of the pollution remains unknown as the Dutch coastguard investigates, and reports of a slick near Texel are unconfirmed.
  • Rescuers report fewer new cases as winds push birds seaward, though fresh finds continue to be reported on local beaches.