VietNamNet Bridge - Tourists at luxury resorts along the beach of Mui Ne - Hon Rom in Phan Thiet City in Binh Thuan Province cannot swim in the sea because of dirty “foam” composed of algae that locals call “red tides”.

The phenomenon has occurred for several days, preventing tourists from swimming in the sea or playing on the beach.

It is most evident at high tide in the morning. Dead fish and dead animals, algae and waste are brought to shore by waves, causing environmental pollution.

For the past few days, no one dared touch their feet in the water. Most of the beaches along the coast of Phan Thiet are covered by the red and yellow material.

Locals said the “foam” contains algae. The phenomenon usually takes place in the sixth month of the lunar calendar every year. They said it has lasted for more than two weeks, and will continue.

According to the Institute of Oceanography, the material on the beaches is caused by a species named Phaeocystis globosa. It said it only occurs in the summer.

Tourists have had to turn to swimming pools instead of the sea.

Zing/VNN