Travel

Mysterious orange sea in Cornwall is causing ‘burning rashes’ on swimmers as beachgoers warned to stay away


SWIMMERS have been advised to stay away from a number of beaches in Cornwall after a strange orange sea has left many with ‘burning’ skin rashes.

Beaches at Porthpean, Duporth and Charlestown have all been reported to have the strange substance.

 A group of swimmers had "burning rashes" after swimming in the orange substance in Charlestown beach

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A group of swimmers had “burning rashes” after swimming in the orange substance in Charlestown beachCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

A group of swimmers first spotted the orange-brown substance in the sea on Wednesday at Charlestown beach.

People who had been in the water later found what looked liked “jelly fish” stings on their bodies.

Swimmer Kate Robarts told Cornwall Live that six of them had “skin irritation” which was “burning” after getting out of the water.

She said that the water was clear until midday, when the orange bloom spread across the water.

 Tests are being conducted to determine the substance, pictured at Charlestown beach

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Tests are being conducted to determine the substance, pictured at Charlestown beachCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
 Swimmers are urged to stay away from three beaches
Swimmers are urged to stay away from three beaches
 The strange liquid has washed up on three beaches in Cornwall

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The strange liquid has washed up on three beaches in CornwallCredit: Alamy
 The Environmental Agency is conducting tests at the three beaches it has been spotted at

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The Environmental Agency is conducting tests at the three beaches it has been spotted atCredit: SWNS:South West News Service

Many of them went to minor injuries where they were told to shower thoroughly, although still reported “sore patches”.

The strange liquid is being investigated by the Environment Agency, with a spokesperson advising people to stay out of the water if is is discoloured.

They tweeted: “We are aware of reports of pink/orange sea colour at #Porthpean, #Duporth and #Charlestown beaches in #Cornwall. We are investigating and will be taking samples.”

A spokesperson told Sun Online Travel: “We are working closely with Cornwall Port Health Authority and Cefas to respond to reports of orange-tinged water near some beaches in Cornwall.
“The initial test results confirm a non-toxic form of marine algae is causing the water discolouration. We continue to advise bathers, children and pets to avoid contact with the discoloured water.”
Kate also said that there was no smell, meaning it was unlikely to be sewage.

Campoamor beach loved by Brit tourists completely washed away by torrents of flood water

A South West Water spokesperson confirmed that their pumping stations were “operating correctly”.

It is thought to be a form of algal bloom, but this has not been confirmed.

Algal blooms, according to to the Environmental Agency are “naturally occurring in inland waters such as rivers, streams and lakes.”

One form of algae which is blue-green, can be toxic to wild animals and pets, and can also produce rashes on the body.

They also add: “One of the most common bloom-forming algae in English coastal waters forms a brown, frothy scum.”

However, this is non-toxic and often breaks down by itself.

Earlier this year, Brits were advised not to swim at 50 beaches in the UK due to sewage pollution.

In August, a number of children were reported to have struggled to breath at a number of beaches in Essex.

It came just days after a toxic cloud in West Sussex led to a dozen people vomiting on a beach.





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