South Africa’s beautiful southeast coastline is facing a baffling environmental crisis. Since January 22nd, thick, congealed oil and tar balls have been washing ashore along a massive 1,200-kilometer stretch, from George all the way to Durban. This mysterious pollution has forced several beaches to close and raised urgent concerns among conservationists and local communities.
Citizen networks are actively monitoring over 20 affected beaches, reporting not just tar balls but also barrels filled with oil appearing on the sands. The big question on everyone’s mind: where is it all coming from? Mike Denison of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa highlights the growing alarm as the oil continues to appear. Experts are considering two main possibilities: either barrels of oil were illegally dumped offshore and are now breaking open, or a ship traveling the coast is leaking. Whether these are separate incidents or connected remains unclear.
The impact on wildlife is particularly worrying. The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds is asking the public to report any oiled seabirds, especially given the critically endangered African penguins that call this region home.
In early February, marine biologists initiated an aerial survey, hoping to spot a large offshore spill that could explain the widespread pollution. Frustratingly, the skies were clear – no sign of a visible source. Welly Qwabe, one of the biologists, described the oil as old and dense, not a fresh spill. This makes finding its origin even harder.
South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, along with the Maritime Safety Authority, are actively investigating. So far, there’s no indication of a vessel grounding, sinking, or collision. The mystery deepens, leaving communities and wildlife agencies searching for answers to protect their precious coast.
Source: https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/02/unidentified-oil-washes-up-on-south-african-beaches/
