Mulberry Harbour advice as visitors warned of risks

HM Coastguard Southend has shared a number of explicit warnings of the risks of visiting the site off Thorpe Bay.

It lies partially sunk on a sand bank in the Thames estuary and dates back to D-Day during the Second World War.

The coastguard has warned an increasing number of people are continuing to go “against the advice”.

People are typically able to venture out approximately four and a half hours after high water, during low tide.

A walking round trip to the harbour ordinarily takes at least 45 minutes, but visitors have been warned about powerful tides and the change in timings of the tide each day.

A spokesman for HM Coastguard Southend said: “The sand flats are undulating.

“The currents shift sand, but the deepest is off the east of the Mulberry from the old River Shoe. If you decide to walk to the Mulberry approach from the west where it is shallower.

“There are at present two deeper channels between the Mulberry and shore which fill up before the water covers the sand. Should you not follow our advice and get caught out, head northwest.

“There are shells and sharp stones. It is also an area which often exposes explosives.

“For these reasons and many others we advise you not to venture out on the mud flats within the MOD prohibited areas to the harbour.

“The Mulberry is a military structure and you are forbidden to climb on it.”

Further advice provided by the coastguard urges people to check tide times, dressing appropriately for walking in water and over sharp shells and being mindful that the Mulberry is over a mile offshore.

It is known locally as the ‘Mulberry Harbour’ but, it is just one small section of a Mulberry Harbour which was destined for use once the D-Day landings had taken place.

The one in Thorpe Bay suffered a leak on its way to Normandy, and was brought into the estuary and allowed to sink.

In the event immediate help is needed people should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.