top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Beached starfish carpet island sand

Walkers discovered spectacular if sad sight of hundreds of dead sea creatures

Hundreds of starfish were washed up on a beach on an island off the French coast at the weekend.

The spectacular sight on a beach near Saint-Trojan, on popular tourist destination île d'Oléron, was discovered by walkers and posted on the Facebook page of environmental association Maison de la nature de l'île d'Oléron

The picture shows a part of hundreds and hundreds of dead starfish on the sand. A spectacular phenomenon that is quite common on the island. It has been seen in 2008, 2011 and 2015 on the island's coastline.

The association suspects that strong winds from last week's storm that brought blizzard conditions to much of France prompted the incident.

"We see it especially in winter and during storms," one Internet user said. "Strong currents stall starfish that become stunned by low temperatures and have difficulty connecting to the seabed. The current and tides carry them to the coast."

Last week, 11 dolphins were found stranded on the coast of Basque-Landes in the middle of a storm.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France