Hundreds of 'Black Balls' Washed Ashore on Australian Beach... Warnings Say "Do Not Touch"

Suspected Oil Residue Clumps
Cleanup Underway After Beach Closure

Authorities have closed several beaches in Sydney, Australia, after numerous black spherical objects, suspected to be oil residue lumps, washed ashore.

According to Australia's AAP news agency on the 16th (local time), hundreds of golf ball-sized black lumps began washing up on Coogee Beach in southeastern Sydney from the afternoon of the previous day. This phenomenon was also observed on Wedding Cake Island, located 1 km from Coogee Beach, later that day. Consequently, the Randwick City Council, which oversees Coogee Beach, warned people not to touch the substance for safety reasons and closed the beach. The beach will remain closed until further notice.

Objects suspected to be 'tar balls' found at various locations on beaches in Randwick City, Australia. [Image source=Instagram]

Authorities have started cleanup operations and launched an investigation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine exactly what the substance is and where it originated.

Local experts analyzed the substance and suggested it appears to be what is commonly called "tarballs," lumps of oil residue. Tarballs form when oil comes into contact with plastic and water, and they are mainly observed on nearby beaches following marine oil spill incidents. The round shape of tarballs is known to be smoothed by waves over several months.

Marine biologist Lawrence Klebeck also estimated, "This substance looks like tarballs." Regarding carcinogenicity, he said, "Touching or smelling it is akin to immersing oneself in crude oil." Authorities warned that since the oil components may be carcinogenic, people should not touch or ingest the substance.

An object presumed to be a tarball. [Image source=X]

However, the New South Wales (NSW) Ports Authority stated that no oil spill incidents caused by ships have been reported near the affected beaches. Additionally, it is rare for tarballs to appear in large quantities at once, making this situation quite unusual. Dr. Sharon Hook from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) said, "Usually, hundreds do not appear at once. While not impossible, it is indeed an exceptional situation."

The city council explained that cleanup operations will be necessary for the time being and added, "We expect to reopen the beach within a few days."