Dead seal washed ashore on beach near Cliff Park, Harwich

The unfortunate seal was found by residents on a beach near Cliff Park in Harwich on Wednesday afternoon.

Councillor Adrian Smith, Tendring District Council’s cabinet member for environment, said the council was alerted to the seal on Wednesday, August 26, and had asked its contractor, Veolia, to attend the site.

The seal was found on a beach in Harwich (Image: Terry Curtis)

Cllr Smith said: “A dead animal washing up on the beach is often part of the natural process and something that is part and parcel of living by the coast.

“When a report of a dead marine animal is received, our teams confirm its location, size and condition, working where needed with the Coastguard and the national Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP).

“As access varies along the coastline and some animals can be large or difficult to reach, safe removal can take different amounts of time.

“Smaller animals are often collected quickly, while larger ones may require specialist contractors and careful coordination with tides and beach conditions.

“In many cases, the tide naturally moves smaller animals on before collection is possible. Certain species may also require additional steps, such as notifying the Receiver of Wreck or arranging a post‑mortem."

Residents are advised to contact the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme and Tendring District Council if they find a dead marine animal washed ashore.

The circumstances surrounding the seal's death are currently unknown.