Tens of metric tons of plastic waste, water hyacinths wash ashore in southern Vietnam

Hyacinths, carried by tides and currents, drifted toward both Bai Sau and Bai Truoc Beaches. 

This is an annual occurrence during the rainy season, when heavy downpours cause river flows to carry debris into the sea.

On Saturday morning, as the tide receded, Vung Tau Environment Services and Urban Project JSC (Vesco) mobilized nearly 100 workers and various equipment to collect the waste.

According to Vesco, some 40 metric tons of water hyacinths and plastic waste were collected and removed from the beaches just on Saturday morning.

A large volume of hyacinths still remains. Cleanup operations are expected to continue in the coming days.

Clinging to the dense layers of hyacinths are countless pieces of non-biodegradable waste stretching nearly one kilometer along the shoreline.

Among the debris are disposable plastic cups and bowls, water and sauce bottles, styrofoam boxes, plastic sandals, tangled fishing nets, and plastic containers.

To swim in these areas, Vung Tau locals and tourists must wade through the thick layers of floating plants.

Frequent beachgoers reported that when water hyacinths wash ashore, they must carefully step through the vegetation to avoid sharp objects such as wooden stakes or metal rods hidden within. 

Some people have already been injured and required hospital treatment.

“Seeing the hyacinths pile up on the beach doesn’t bother me much as they’re just plants. But when you look closely, you see all sorts of garbage mixed in. That’s what’s truly horrifying,” said a tourist walking along Vung Tau beach.