Environmentalists were today fearing another wildlife tragedy after oiled birds were washed up on the Essex coastline.
Contaminated birds have been discovered at Dovercourt and Clacton, sparking concerns there will be more casualties.
Rescuers are hoping it will not prove a repeat of last winter when hundreds of birds and animals died in four separate oil spills.
Eileen Tyrer, chairman of Harwich Environmental Action Team, found a sick guillemot on Dovercourt's West End beach while walking a dog on Friday.
Another guillemot was discovered on Clacton beach and rescued by the RSPCA.
Both birds were taken to the Wildlives animal sanctuary, in Thorrington, for immediate treatment.
Rosie Catford, who runs Wildlives, said: "We think this could be the beginning of more trouble, but we are hoping it isn't.
Published Monday January 5, 2004
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