An influx of sargassum at Island Harbour this week prompted government action as it began piling up along the shoreline.
The floating seaweed began to accumulate on Tuesday, 22 April, drawing attention from local residents and authorities.
The next morning, journalist Lloyd Gumbs of Lloyds Live had posted a video capturing the thick mass swirling around boats in the harbour.
“This is like something we’ve never seen before in a horror movie,” Gumbs said in the video, adding that the amount that has accumulated was “unbelievable”.
“Look how thick it is in the water. This is no joke,” he said.
Rapid response
Later on Wednesday, the Department of Education issued a press release to say it had just completed a 24-hour, accelerated procurement process.
This would ensure that the sudden build-up of seaweed at Vivien Vanterpool Primary School could be quickly and effectively managed, it explained.
The department went on to say that a vendor had been selected and clearing would take place on Thursday and Friday.
The specific timing would depend on advice from the Department of Natural Resources regarding timing of intervention for greatest efficacy, it said.
“Given the rapid response time and deployment that has been planned the department expects that closure will not be required,” the press release read.
“Notwithstanding, we continue to monitor the situation and will continue to respond as necessary.”
Cleaning underway
On Thursday, natural resources minister Kyle Hodge visited the area.
A government Facebook post the same day said remediation of the beach near the Vivien Vanterpool Primary School was underway and might continue into the weekend.
“The Department of Natural Resources remains committed to monitoring the influxes of sargassum in Anguilla,” it continued.
The brown seaweed can accumulate in thick, rotting piles, producing a foul smell and disrupting tourism.
In February, the government presented its first Barber Surf Rake – a tractor-towed beach cleaner which makes clean-ups faster, more efficient and less labour-intensive.
In September, 2024, sargassum buildup on the Island Harbour beach near Vivien Vanterpool Primary School led to mould growth inside the educational facility.
Pupils has to transition to remote learning while the problem was resolved.
