'Mysterious black tar-like balls' close Sydney beaches

A general view of Coogee Beach that was closed to the public on Oct 16, 2024 after hundreds of mysterious black tar-like balls washed up on the popular Sydney spot. - AFP

SYDNEY: Hundreds of mysterious black tar-like balls have washed up on two popular Sydney beaches, prompting lifeguards to close the strands to swimmers.

"Mysterious, black, ball-shaped debris" began appearing on Coogee Beach on Tuesday (Oct 15) afternoon the local mayor said, leaving flummoxed Australian authorities scrambling to find out what they might be, and where they may have come from.