Saddest day in the history of the surf sport - Drama in the Netherlands

[longwhitecloud]

Jayzuz, v likely some were trying to save others in a rip - but with a leashes attached I just find this so weird.... or Sea Foam?! I have seen it 6ft+ high when it ends up pushed in a corner or small beach by the wind. There is no way you are going to breath easily in it but still never heard of anything like this before. Kids play in it when it shows up - first thing I though was - that doesnt look like a great idea when it is higher than them?! So tragic.

[downunder]

Tragic indeed.

Never seen this on Indian, Pacific or Southern Ocean around AU.

Not Like this...

[Kamikuza]

Crikey, that's sad. RIP and condolences

[Leon van Bergen]

The fifth person was eventually found, unfortunately dead. all 5 were indeed body surfers with only fins. Sunday a 28 year old kiter died unfortunately nearby due to a strong gust. The last 2 days there was a strong northerly wind of 30-40 kts and sometimes insane gusts. The foam layer caused by algae at this time of the year, sometimes a meter high and the strong current has become fatal. They are completely disoriented by the foam. As mentioned, they were very experienced, often helped people in need themselves and were trainers. A black day for our country and sport ..

[longwhitecloud]

6 people died on the water in the Netherlands within a few days.. :-0

[elguapo]

[Onda]

Scheveningen has really heavy conditions when wind / swell is strong.
I was on my way to Scheveningen Monday, but returned home midway after re-checking conditions (wind forecast, measured wind, wave forecast at surfline, livecams). It was very obvious that the conditions were really really demanding.
So be careful when you plan to go there in strong conditions.
Anyway, it is terrible that people died, so sad. Unbelievable that they were experienced and super trained locals.

The strong foam formation is a result of over-fertilization which is mainly caused by the European farmers. The intense production of pigs / cattle produces massive amounts of manure, which is poured on the fields as a fertilizer. Sooner or later this ends up in our rivers and oceans. Congrats! We want cheap meat, and we get it

[Kitemenn]

5th person still not found, they had a visual sight of him yesterday but weren't able to recover him due to the current and foam! Hopefully they will find him soon for all family and friends...

[andylc]

I think sea foam is a natural and global phenomenon and I'm not sure it is at all linked to the use of fertilisers in agriculture.

[Baptiste_FR]

The strong foam formation is a result of over-fertilization which is mainly caused by the European farmers. The intense production of pigs / cattle produces massive amounts of manure, which is poured on the fields as a fertilizer. Sooner or later this ends up in our rivers and oceans. Congrats! We want cheap meat, and we get it

I think sea foam is a natural and global phenomenon and I'm not sure it is at all linked to the use of fertilisers in agriculture.

Yes, exactly. Fertiliser are responsible for sea weeds (sea lettuce) and not so much for the foam. It is not in fact fertiliser, but mainly manure spread on the crop that ends up in the sea due to rain. It causes a surplus of nitrogen in the water that boost the growth of the sea lettuce.