Fort Lauderdale, FL - An oily substance discovered along Broward County shores has led to multiple South Florida beach closures as officials work to determine its origin.
On Saturday, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue received a 911 call reporting an oily substance in the water near Las Olas Boulevard.
The caller noticed the substance on their feet while walking on the sand. Ocean Rescue lifeguards also observed the tar balls upon starting their shifts.
In response, authorities closed beaches to swimmers from Lifeguard Tower 1 at Port Everglades to Lifeguard Tower 10 at Riomar Street.
Beaches north of this area remain open but are under close observation.
The U.S. Coast Guard has been notified and is collaborating with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to identify the source of the tar balls.
A red flag warning has been issued, advising the public to avoid entering the water.
Beachgoers from Palm Beach to Broward counties reported encountering the tar balls, which are suspected to have originated from an oil spill, possibly from a freighter or cruise ship.
The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the incident.
Tar balls are fragments of weathered oil that can vary in size and are often sticky, making them difficult to remove from surfaces.
They can result from offshore petroleum production, drilling, marine transportation discharges, or natural seepage from the ocean floor.
Authorities are advising beachgoers to exercise caution and adhere to posted warnings while the investigation continues.