Advice against bathing for the River Deben Estuary, Waldringfield

The Environment Agency have advised against swimming in the Deben at Waldringfield due to a pollution incident.

On Friday 26th September 2025, a wooden ex-fishing boat was anchored and abandoned just below Loders Cut, near Haddon Hall. 

Unfortunately, the boat turned over, sank and limited quantities of diesel have escaped causing a hazard to swimmers and wildlife.

The authorities are aware and managing the situation as it evolves, see the latest statement from the Environment Agency:

Bathing is not advised, due to pollution from oil or fuel. Incident started September 26th 2025 14:27 Incident is currently expected to end on September 29th 2025 Affected bathing water: River Deben Estuary, Waldringfield This incident has been identified as an abnormal situation, water quality monitoring has been suspended. Monitoring will resume once the incident is over. To contact the Environment Agency about this incident, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk quoting NIRS reference 02431510