Stretch of Manhattan Beach Closed After Sticky Substance Washes Ashore
An 11-block stretch of beach was closed Friday in the El Porto area of Manhattan Beach after a pungent, tarlike material washed ashore and swimmers complained of stinging eyes and skin.
Los Angeles County Lifeguard Lt. Wally Millican said the source of the material was not identified, and the beach was closed as a precaution. “We have had no indication from the Health Department or any other organization that there is anything wrong with the water,” Millican said.
About midmorning, lifeguards called U.S. Coast Guard and oil company authorities to an area between 34th and 45th streets to analyze the material, but they could not identify the substance, Millican said.
He said lifeguards hope to open the stretch of beach today.
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