Local climate scientists in Russia suspect a toxic spillage along a beach on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula has killed 95% of marine life on the surrounding seabed.
The pollution was first reported by divers who experienced vision problems and chemical burns from the waters. Greenpeace Russia said they found a yellow foam on the ocean surface and many locals reported carcasses of octopuses, seals and other sea creatures washing up on the beach.
Having initially dismissed the claims, Russia’s Investigative Committee bowed to pressure and launched a criminal investigation to establish the source of the mysterious pollution. According to government reports, scientists have found that there is a mass death of bottom-dwelling organisms at depths from 10 to 15 meters.
While the source and extent of contamination is still under investigation, marine biologists have called the incident an 'ecological catastrophe.' Videos captured by a local YouTuber Yury Dud have gone viral on social media.