A famous Australian beach has been closed until further notice after mysterious ball-shaped debris washed up along the shore.
Coogee Beach in Sydney’s east was closed immediately after lifeguards came across the worrying discovery on Tuesday afternoon.
Environmental officers collected samples of the black debris for testing and the incident was reported to the New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority and BeachWatch NSW.
Beachgoers are urged to avoid the area and not touch debris while cleanup and investigations continue.
“Council is investigating the origin and composition of the material, which has the appearance of dark spheres,” a statement from Randwick Council said.
The debris has not yet been officially identified, but could be “tar balls,” which form when oil comes into contact with debris and water.
Lifeguards discovered black, ball-shaped debris that had been washed up along Coogee Beach on Tuesday afternoon.
Coogee Beach remains closed indefinitely after discovery of black ball-shaped debris
It is understood Coogee is the only beach affected at this time.
“The City Council is currently organizing the safe removal of material from the beach and is inspecting other nearby beaches,” the statement added.
Coogee will remain closed until authorities can determine what the substance is.
“Crews are working to safely remove the material under the supervision of an occupational hygienist and we are still awaiting test results,” a council spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday evening.
Randwick City Council is investigating the origin and composition of the material, which has the appearance of dark spheres
The council will revisit the issue Wednesday.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority for further comment.
