Oily substance takes over beaches from Cavelossim to Colva

Colva: The popular Cavelossim- Colva beach stretch has been rendered unsafe for visitors after an oil-like subtance washed ashore last week. The sea water along certain portions of the beach has turned dark brown due to the frothy, black deposit.

Tourism director Menino D’Souza said that such phenomena is an annual occurance which could be attributed to oil spills from vessels in the high seas.

Former NIO scientist Virupaxa Banakar said that the substance appears to be oil discharge which can be toxic to marine life, and cautioned people against venturing into the sea. He also said that water sampling needs to be carried out to determine the exact composition of the pollutants.

Drishti Lifeguard officials said that they informed the authorities concerned about the oil-like substance last week, and have been dissuading beach goers from swimming or taking dips in the water.