Sydney’s Coogee beach closed after mysterious black balls wash ashore | Sydney

Sydney’s Coogee beach has been ordered closed until further notice after “mysterious black, ball-shaped debris” washed up along its length.

Lifeguards discovered the debris on Tuesday afternoon at the popular eastern suburbs beach. Randwick city council environmental officers collected samples and have sent them for testing. In the meantime, beachgoers were advised not to touch or go near them.

The incident was also reported to the Environmental Protection Authority and Beachwatch NSW.

The council said the unknown material could be “tar balls” formed when oil comes into contact with debris and water, usually as a result of oil spills or seepage – however it has not yet been confirmed by tests.

The council posted to social media Tuesday evening: “Coogee beach is closed until further notice after council lifeguards this afternoon discovered mysterious black, ball-shaped debris washed along the length of the beach.

“Council is investigating the origin and composition of the material, which has the appearance of dark spheres.”

The council was arranging for the material to be safely removed from the beach and began inspections of other nearby beaches.

Beachgoers were advised to avoid Coogee beach until further notice and not touch the material while the clean-up and investigations continue.