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Coastguard warns about D-Day harbour dangers

Christine Matthews/Geograph The remains of a D-Day Mulberry Harbour in the sea of Thorpe Bay, EssexChristine Matthews/Geograph
The Mulberry Harbour is one mile (1.6km) off shore from Thorpe Bay

The coastguard has warned visitors against visiting a D-Day Mulberry Harbour, lying on the seabed off Essex.

Mulberry Harbours were temporary floatingpiers used off the coast of France to ensure the flow of vital supplies and reinforcements for the Allied invasion effort in World War Two in 1944.

The one at Thorpe Bay sprung a leak on its way to Normand and was brought into the Thames estuary and allowed to sink.

HM Coastguard Southend-on-Sea said it had an "an increase in avoidable call outs" every summer, caused by its visitors getting cut off by high tides.

HM Coastguard Southend-on-Sea Close up of a warning sign at Thorpe Bay, Essex, saying Caution Mulberry HarbourHM Coastguard Southend-on-Sea
The coastguard said the "published time of low tide is an estimate" and warned the tide "turns half an hour before you notice it over the sands"
Getty Mulberry Harbour in place off Normandy, with piers and roadways showing vehicles being unloadedGetty
The Mulberry Harbours stretched for miles, allowing troops and supplies to support the allied invasion 80 years ago

The coastguard said: "Whilst this historic feature is a reminder of the sacrifices 80 years ago for our freedoms today, it remains MOD property and continues to attract visitors especially in warmer weather and causes an increase in avoidable call outs for HM Coastguard."

It has advised visitors to check tide times and wear shoes if they do walk out to the structure, which is one mile (1.6km) off shore.

Simon Tomson/Geograph Aerial shot of the Mulberry Harbour off Thorpe Bay, Essex Simon Tomson/Geograph
Thorpe Bay's Mulberry Harbour never made it to France, having sprung a leak while being towed from Immingham, on the River Humber, to Southsea ahead of D-Day

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