Mystery Tarballs, South Florida shorelines; Manalapan, Florida

Manalapan, FL, USA | 2025-Feb-08

Initial Notification: On February 8, 2025, the USCG D7 and Sector Miami reported that tarballs had been reported in the water nearshore from Fort Lauderdale Beach to West Palm Beach. USCG forwarded a 911 report that swimmers were reportedly being exposed to an oily substance that was difficult to get off. USCG is sending a team out to investigate and acquire samples and is also scheduling an overflight. NOAA is looking at currents, and winds to assess possible movement of these tarballs over time and going forward. NOAA is also compiling a resources at risk report for the affected area described including Port Everglades. Additional locations of tarballs and times reported are expected to be provided once UISCG can obtain that information.