Blue bioluminescence plankton spotted on Southend beach

Bioluminescence plankton was seen in the water on Southend beach. The rare sight was seen at around 1am by two people out for a late night stroll.

The blue light is from tiny marine organisms that can sometimes cause the surface of the water to sparkle at night, when they are disturbed.

The sea glowing phenomenon is usually restricted to tropical destinations like Thailand or the Maldives, but it can on rare occasions be seen here in Britain.

Local resident Gavin Sager said: “I found some of these a couple of years ago here in Southend, it was absolutely beautiful!”

And Ben Hibberd added: “I’ll never forget being out on a boat in this! The boat cutting through the water and the hull glowing, it was amazing!”

However others are concerned that the plankton could be related to untreated sewage that has reportedly been discharged into the water recently. Mike Halladay said: “I thought it was because of all the sewage being pumped into the sea by Anglian Water from last week.”

News Editor

Lead News Reporter & Content Producer for Your Southend

Recent Posts

Eat local: Why Southend’s Kingfisher was named ‘Fish & Chip Shop of the Year’

Kingfisher Fish and Chips on Southchurch Road has become a firm favourite in Southend, with…

3 days ago

A127 closed after serious crash ‘involving motorbike’ near Rayleigh Weir

The A127 was closed London-bound on Wednesday evening following a serious crash between Rayleigh Weir…

5 days ago

Healthcare worker at Southend Hospital charged with sexual assaults on man & woman

A healthcare assistant at Southend Hospital has been charged with three sexual assault offences against…

6 days ago

LOOK INSIDE: New independent hardware store opens in Leigh-on-Sea

A new independent hardware store has opened in Leigh-on-Sea and has quickly established itself as…

1 week ago

British flag march’s small turnout blamed on poor weather

A British flag march that took place in Southend city centre on Saturday 20 September,…

1 week ago