Tar Coats Famous Goa Beaches

India – A ship is suspected of dumping burnt oil waste off the western coast of India after tar balls washed up on the famed Goa beaches Wednesday.

Indian Navy and Coast Guard are working to identify and track down the ship responsible for the spill. Officials say that it is common for ships to clean their fuel tanks and dump oil waste, however the discharging that caused tar balls to wash ashore far exceeded normal discharging.

The Goa Travel and Tourism Association is concerned that news of the tar balls on their beaches will adversely affect their upcoming tourist season. Beaches affected include Calangut, Candolim and Colva. No beaches have been closed yet.

Photo courtesy of AP