Mysterious Balls Close Beaches in Sydney
Bizarre/Strange
Today (3 hours ago)
3 minute read.
Authorities in Sydney are investigating after marble-sized balls containing harmful substances washed up on beaches, prompting closures and public warnings.
The debris, discovered on the 14th of January 2025, forced the closure of nine beaches along Sydney’s Northern Beaches, including popular locations such as Manly and Dee Why. The Northern Beaches council stated that the balls contained saturated fatty acids, E. coli, and faecal bacteria.
The council has sent samples of the balls to the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for detailed examination. The balls also contained volcanic rock pumice. Mayor Sue Heins expressed hopes that the analysis would reveal the source to prevent future occurrences.
“We are continuing to conduct regular inspections of our beaches and encourage the community to report any sightings”, said Heins.
Authorities have urged residents not to handle the balls and to notify officials if they spot them.
This is not the first instance of mysterious debris washing up on Sydney’s shores. In October 2024, similar black blobs appeared along the city’s coastline. At that time, initial reports referred to them as "tar balls", but analysis revealed they contained a mix of substances, including:
These materials resembled fat, oil, and grease accumulations, commonly known as "fatbergs", which typically form in sewage systems.
Despite the resemblance to sewage-related waste, Sydney Water reported that its water treatment plants are operating normally and found no known issues with the city's waste management systems.
The recurring nature of the issue and the variety of materials detected in the October incident suggest a complex source, potentially combining natural and human-made factors.
While the EPA continues its investigation, local authorities are taking precautions to ensure public safety. The Northern Beaches council has conducted a clean-up of the affected areas and remains vigilant in monitoring the coastline.
Mayor Heins reiterated the importance of identifying the source to protect other beaches. “We hope the EPA analysis will identify the source so that they can stop this from happening at other beaches,” she said.
Authorities are yet to determine whether the balls are connected to stormwater runoff, industrial waste, or marine pollution from ships. Volcanic rock pumice suggests some natural involvement, but the exact origin remains uncertain.
The community has been advised to stay alert and avoid contact with any unusual debris. Further updates are expected as the EPA continues its analysis.
The debris, discovered on the 14th of January 2025, forced the closure of nine beaches along Sydney’s Northern Beaches, including popular locations such as Manly and Dee Why. The Northern Beaches council stated that the balls contained saturated fatty acids, E. coli, and faecal bacteria.
The council has sent samples of the balls to the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for detailed examination. The balls also contained volcanic rock pumice. Mayor Sue Heins expressed hopes that the analysis would reveal the source to prevent future occurrences.
“We are continuing to conduct regular inspections of our beaches and encourage the community to report any sightings”, said Heins.
Authorities have urged residents not to handle the balls and to notify officials if they spot them.
This is not the first instance of mysterious debris washing up on Sydney’s shores. In October 2024, similar black blobs appeared along the city’s coastline. At that time, initial reports referred to them as "tar balls", but analysis revealed they contained a mix of substances, including:
- Cooking oil and soap scum molecules
- Blood pressure medication
- Pesticides
- Veterinary drugs
- Methamphetamine
These materials resembled fat, oil, and grease accumulations, commonly known as "fatbergs", which typically form in sewage systems.
Despite the resemblance to sewage-related waste, Sydney Water reported that its water treatment plants are operating normally and found no known issues with the city's waste management systems.
The recurring nature of the issue and the variety of materials detected in the October incident suggest a complex source, potentially combining natural and human-made factors.
While the EPA continues its investigation, local authorities are taking precautions to ensure public safety. The Northern Beaches council has conducted a clean-up of the affected areas and remains vigilant in monitoring the coastline.
Mayor Heins reiterated the importance of identifying the source to protect other beaches. “We hope the EPA analysis will identify the source so that they can stop this from happening at other beaches,” she said.
Authorities are yet to determine whether the balls are connected to stormwater runoff, industrial waste, or marine pollution from ships. Volcanic rock pumice suggests some natural involvement, but the exact origin remains uncertain.
The community has been advised to stay alert and avoid contact with any unusual debris. Further updates are expected as the EPA continues its analysis.
