Thousands of dead starfish wash up on British beach, authorities on alert

Thousands of dead starfish were found on UK’s Margate beach, an event that marine experts say is “particularly large.” The swarm of starfish carcasses have sparked health concerns in the region, with authorities warning the public of infectious diseases.

Photos posted on social media show crabs getting easy prey as dead starfish wash ashore in large numbers. Authorities said the starfish may have been deposited by rough seas.

Marine Conservation Society member Dr. Angus Jackson told BBC that common starfish may be prone to such deaths. The aquatic creatures can sometimes “fold up their arms and roll along the sea floor.

“Strandings like this occasionally happen right around our coastline, but this looks to be a particularly large event,” he added.

The Thanet District Council also released an advisory after the starfish were spotted.

“Members of the public are advised not to attempt to move any stranded sea life and to keep dogs and children away from them, as they may have infectious or transferable diseases,” it said.

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