Crane Beach in St Philip has been invaded by ash and Sargassum seaweed.
The ash from explosive eruptions of St Vincent’s La Soufriere Volcano covers the walkway around the beach and coats the sand.
In addition, Sargassum seaweed covers much of the beach and where the two intruders meet results in a dense, dusty and sometimes smelly mess.
This wasn’t enough to deter United Kingdom visitors Dawn and Brendan O’Connor, however, who were among the few people who decided to go sunbathing. They said they were not bothered.
“It’s part of life, you can’t change it, we just feel sorry for the people of Barbados who have to clean up and the people of St Vincent because when we go home, we leave it all behind, but for you it is a daily struggle.
“From COVID to seaweed to ash, what else can be thrown at you? We were in Antigua when they had a hurricane so it’s just something you live with. We will definitely be back in December,” said Dawn.
The scene of grey beaches and Sargassum was found along many other beaches such as Browne’s Beach in St Michael and Accra Beach in Rockley, Christ Church.
While people mostly stayed away, there were those who ventured out despite the conditions, with Jennifer Yearwood, who was at Browne’s Beach, saying she was an “old head” and did not take on the rumours of unsafe waters.
La Soufriere Volcano began erupting explosively last Friday and Barbados has been heavily affected by ash, while officials have been grappling with Sargassum seaweed for a number of years.
A national clean-up to clear the build-up of ash began on Monday. (CA)
