Mysterious ball-shaped debris has washed up on Sydney’s popular Coogee Beach, forcing its closure until they are removed and tested.
Lifeguards came across small black spheres scattered along the length of the shore this afternoon.
Randwick City Council has collected samples to investigate their materials and origin.
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In the meantime, the beach has been closed until further notice.
“At this stage it is unknown what the material is, however, they may be ‘tar balls’ which are formed when oil comes in to contact with debris and water, typically the result of oil spills or seepage,” the council said.
“Council is currently arranging for the material to be safely removed from the beach and is inspecting other nearby beaches.
“At this stage, only Coogee Beach is known to be affected.”
Beachgoers are advised to steer clear of the beach and not to touch the debris.
The matter has been reported to the Environmental Protection Authority and Beachwatch NSW.
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