The South Australian government is currently investigating reports from beachgoers who have experienced irritated eyes and raspy coughs.
Over 100 members of the South Australian surfer community have reported a mysterious illness after coming into contact with a strange yellowish foam that washed up on local beaches.
The substance was discovered at Waitpinga and Parsons beaches in the Newland Head Conservation Park.
Surfer Anthony Rowland shared on Facebook that the unknown material affected individuals both in the water and on shore in the nearby carpark.
“Some even reported blurred vision. It lasted 24 hours or so.”
Rowland noted visible signs of trouble in the water, and as he collected water samples for testing, the extent of the issue became clear.
“I noticed a lot of different species of fish dead on the beach, including a handful of leafy sea dragons,” he mentioned.
Locals observed that the water had turned yellow with foam, and the tide lines were a dark green color.
During media interviews at the Victor Harbour Yacht Club, individuals began coughing and experiencing throat irritation.
Rowland reached out to various authorities about the situation.
Another local mentioned on social media experiencing a strange chemical smell near the beaches, resulting in a burning sensation in their nostrils and coughing.
One beachgoer at Waitpinga Beach reported coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes last weekend.
A spokesperson from the Department of Environment and Water informed The Epoch Times that investigations are ongoing as the beaches remain closed.
“Waitpinga Beach and Parsons Beach within the Newland Head Conservation Park are temporarily closed to the public due to a fish mortality event in the area,” they stated.
“For safety reasons, the beaches have been closed by the Department for Environment and Water as a precaution to support ongoing investigations by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), the Environment Protection Authority, and SA Health.”
The beaches will reopen as soon as possible.
Warning signs have been posted at the beaches cautioning of a “possible health risk from algal bloom.”
The signs alert visitors to potential breathing difficulties and throat discomfort.
Specific types of algae, such as cyanobacteria, can be harmful to marine life and cause irritation to human eyes and skin.
