A growing mystery has forced a number of East Coast beaches to shut down after medical waste—including used needles, pill bottles, and tampons—began washing ashore, prompting serious health concerns. The affected areas stretch from Ocean City, Maryland, to Chincoteague, Virginia, with Delaware beaches, including President Biden’s frequent vacation spot in Rehoboth, also impacted.
Beachgoers in Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware were quickly advised to stay out of the water. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) issued a safety warning on social media, urging visitors to avoid swimming and leave the beaches until further notice.
Authorities are still puzzled about the source of the waste. “We have no idea where it’s coming from,” said Ocean City Town Manager Terry McGean in an interview with WBAL. Local officials and agencies are now investigating the situation, which has left residents and visitors alike on edge.
“It’s very concerning. I mean, it’s not healthy,” said Harry, a tourist in Ocean City, reflecting the unease felt by many beachgoers. Some have reported finding hazardous debris firsthand, such as Ilene McBride, who saw a woman report a syringe to a lifeguard. Others, like Becky Bettes, expressed shock at the sight of needles on the beach.
In response, several beaches, including Assateague State Park, have completely banned swimming, wading, and surfing. Rangers at the park discovered various medical items, including needles and feminine hygiene products, scattered along the shoreline. Despite the concerning debris, officials have confirmed no reported injuries, though they stress the importance of avoiding contact with the waste.
The situation is being treated seriously across the region. Maryland’s Department of Emergency Management elevated its response to “partial activation,” while Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald warned beachgoers to avoid the ocean entirely until the crisis is fully managed. “Until we are confident that the situation is under control, we recommend wearing shoes on the beach and avoiding the ocean,” he stated.
While officials continue to monitor the situation, the amount of debris seems to have decreased, according to Theobald. However, with the next high tides approaching, there are concerns that more waste could resurface, particularly in areas like Ocean City, where the beach patrol had already placed temporary bans on swimming.
Delaware’s beaches have been less impacted but remain on high alert. DNREC confirmed finding only minimal waste, including a single needle near Dewey Beach, but the agency continues to advise caution. Beaches from the Indian River Inlet to Fenwick Island were closed on Sunday, with ongoing inspections set to determine when they could safely reopen.
The uncertainty has left both residents and visitors unnerved. As LaToya Thomas, a California tourist, pointed out, people expect the beach to be a safe place for families. “We’re all just really shocked about the whole thing, honestly,” added local resident Brienne Lower.
As officials continue their investigation, beachgoers are urged to report any debris they encounter and to avoid picking up any hazardous items. Authorities across Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware are coordinating to determine the source of the waste and to decide when it will be safe for visitors to return to the water.
