Sussex: 150 hospitalized after mystery chemical mist affects beach-goers
What's the story
A beautiful afternoon on 28th August in Sussex's Birling Gap beach turned into a nightmare, after the appearance of a 'weird mist' caused significant physical irritation for beach-goers. Authorities evacuated the beach and the nearby cliff as people were experiencing symptoms including vomiting and stinging eyes; around 150 are being treated. Details including chemical composition of the mist is still unknown. Here's all about it.
Twitter Post
Beach-goers take to Twitter to share their experience
Being evacuated from #BirlingGap eyes streaming can't breathe properly not exactly what I was hoping for!
— Gold Mojito (@GoldMojito) August 27, 2017
Eyewitness accounts
What transpired?
According to eyewitnesses, the sea mist came in from the west; while some recall the mist smelling like burned plastic, others described it 'colorless, odorless and irritating' on the eyes, raising suspicion that mist could be chlorine. The mist lingered for around 10 minutes before moving eastward toward Brexhill. Rescue teams responded quickly by evacuating affected people from busy beaches.
About
The 'mysterious mist' is under investigation
The origin and nature of the chemical mist is currently being investigated; they are looking into both on-shore and off-shore locations of origin including boats/ships. Authorities also suspect that the mist may have drifted off a European industrial unit, although this has been termed unlikely. Many who experienced physical irritation further suspect it to be chlorine although authorities consider this unlikely.
Information
Check out #BirlingGap on Twitter for theories on the mist!
Experts have speculated upon possibilities including toxic algal blooms and chemical discharge from water treatment plants. An interesting host of possibilities including that of an ISIS chemical attack and a World War I wreck has been discussed under #BirlingGap on Twitter.