Public advised to take care after broken drainage pipe in Blyth causes 'quick sand' hole

Blyth Coastguard Team were made aware of a video on Thursday, February 13 showing what appeared to be “quick sand” on the beach at Meggie's Burn in Blyth, Northumberland.

The local Northumberland Coastal Warden was already aware of the video at the time and an investigation took place on the day due to concerns for safety.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found that the suspected quick sand was actually the result of a broken drainage pipe. This pipe comes off the fields and the main road nearby and into the sea.

A spokesperson for Blyth Coastguards on Facebook said: “The Coastguard team and Northumberland council recommend that although no immediate danger was present, as the sand at the time was only approximately 1ft deep, that you do avoid the pipe area of the beach, should you have to pass the area please keep all dogs on a lead and at a safe distance.”

The Coastguard are unable to control these type of incidents but their advice should be followed and the photos taken show the depth and location of the unsafe area.

It is also advised that anyone who sees or suspects someone who may be in danger at the coast should call the emergency number 999 and ask for the Coastguard.