Mysterious tar balls wash ashore popular beach near Los Angeles

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.....

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.....

This can't be good:

A slick of unidentified tar-like substance washed up in Manhattan Beach this morning. Lifeguards on-scene witnessed the unknown substance make landfall at 10AM and wash in with the surf until 12PM. The slick has affected the stretch of beach from Longfellow to the El Segundo Jetty in varying consistency. As a precaution the beach has been closed and signs have been posted in the affected areas until further notice by County of Los Angeles Public Health. The United States Coast Guard, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Los Angeles County Fire Department Health Hazardous Materials Division, Los Angeles County Beaches & Harbors, and County of Los Angeles Public Health have collected samples and are investigating the cause, composition, and source of the unknown substance. The United States Coast Guard has contracted with Ocean Blue Environmental to clean up the substance. Lifeguards will continue to assist local law enforcement agencies with the beach closure until more information is known. The United States Coast Guard is the lead IC on this incident, for further questions or details please contact The United States Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles.