Mysterious Blobs Wash Ashore in Newfoundland, Leaving Residents and Scientists Puzzled

 

Residents of Newfoundland are scratching their heads over a series of peculiar white blobs that have recently appeared on the shores of the eastern Canadian province. These slimy, firm, and surprisingly combustible masses have sparked curiosity and concern among locals and marine scientists alike.

The phenomenon gained attention after a Facebook post in the Beachcombers of Newfoundland and Labrador group, which boasts around 40,000 members. Philip Grace shared an image of a pale, gooey blob, likening its appearance to the dough used for toutons, a popular Newfoundland fried dish. His post ignited a flurry of speculation regarding the origins of the blobs, with suggestions ranging from paraffin wax to sea sponges and ambergris. However, none of these theories have held up under investigation.

Dave McGrath, a resident of Patrick’s Cove, reported encountering "hundreds" of these blobs on the beach. He described them as resembling a pancake before being flipped, with dimpled surfaces and a spongy interior. “I’ve lived here for 67 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” McGrath remarked. Concerned about potential toxicity, he sought information from the Coast Guard, who revealed that 46 kilometers (about 28 miles) of coastline were affected by the mysterious substance, yet they also had no definitive answers.

The current blobs are not the first marine mystery to capture the interest of locals. In 2001, residents found the “Blobster” on Fortune Bay, which turned out to be part of a decomposing sperm whale. However, researchers have ruled out any connection between the current blobs and whales, despite some humorous suggestions on social media referring to them as "whale boogers" or "whale vomit."

McGrath speculated that the blobs might be the result of discharge from ships traveling to and from the Come By Chance refinery, located 80 kilometers north of Patrick’s Cove. Meanwhile, federal scientists are investigating but have yet to provide clear answers. They have determined that the substance is not a petroleum hydrocarbon, lubricant, or biofuel, but further testing could take months.

“An answer would be nice. It’s not often you find something that stumps people who know this place and these waters,” said McGrath, reflecting the collective curiosity of the community. Until more information emerges, one local humorously suggested a culinary experiment: “Fry it up, put some molasses on it, and let us know how it was.”