The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating after tar balls were seen washed up on southeast Florida beaches. The substances were reported in the Palm Beach, Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach areas on Saturday, Petty Officer Diana Sherbs told USA TODAY in an emailed statement.

LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA - Oily tar balls have been washing up along South Florida beaches, stretching from Fort Lauderdale to Lake Worth Beach in Palm Beach County, raising environmental concerns and frustrating beachgoers. While reports surfaced widely on social media Saturday, some residents say the issue has been ongoing.

Over the weekend, something unusual washed up along South Florida beaches. The United States Coast Guard spent this past weekend investigating reports of tar balls from Lake Worth Beach to Boynton Beach and as far south as Fort Lauderdale Beach.