Tar Balls Wash Ashore, Prompting Beach Closures Along Broward Coastline
Unwanted Visitor on the Beach
It was a beautiful day on Fort Lauderdale Beach, until a strange substance cut it short. Swimmers were forced out of the water across Broward County beaches after people reported seeing oil wash ashore. Now officials are trying to figure out what it is and where it came from.
A Mysterious Substance
The Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue received a 911 call regarding the liquid, around 9 a.m. on Saturday. The caller, who had been walking on the sand, noticed the substance at their feet. A lifeguard on Fort Lauderdale Beach asked beachgoers to get out of the water some time later.
Unpleasant Experience for Beachgoers
Beachgoers like Benjamin were not pleased. "I can’t go in the water, and it’s such a pretty day," said Benjamin. Beachgoers like Benjamin noticed oily tar balls wash ashore. "We didn’t realize what it was until we were trying to wash the sand off, and there were these little dark spots on the bottoms of our feet," said Benjamin. Benjamin described the substance as messy. "We had to go back to the hotel and wash it off. It was really hard to get off our feet," he said.
A Possible Oil Spill?
Officials said the oily tar could be from a possible oil spill from a vessel. While the U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the cause, many beaches in Broward County – including Fort Lauderdale from Riomar Street south to the Port Everglades inlet – are closed to swimmers.
Affecting Multiple Beaches
Heading north on Deerfield Beach, lifeguards put up red flags warning beachgoers about the water conditions, as Deerfield Beach Ocean Rescue confirmed that balls of tar were washing up on the shoreline. Beaches north of Lifeguard Tower 10 on the north remained open to swimmers, but were closely monitored throughout the day.
A Cautionary Measure
While the oily solution may have interfered with people’s Saturday plans, some beachgoers told 7News they’re grateful officials took caution. "Yes, it’s safety, and everything is good for us," said Tamara. "I’ve never seen anything bad in our beach, and, like, my kids are so small."
Investigation Ongoing
The Coast Guard went out on boats and conducted an overflight to find the cause of the oil. They will resume their investigation Sunday morning.
Conclusion
The unexpected arrival of tar balls on Broward County beaches has left many with concerns about the safety of their favorite recreational spot. While the cause of the oil is still unknown, officials are working to ensure the well-being of beachgoers. As the investigation continues, residents and visitors alike can only hope for a swift resolution to this environmental issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the source of the oily substance?
- Is it safe to swim in the beach?
- How long will the beach be closed?
- Will the Coast Guard find the cause of the oil?
- What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of beachgoers?
