Mysterious Bubble Forms in Sea Off Gujarat Coast; Water Appears to Boil, Officials on High Alert

A mysterious phenomenon has been observed off the coast of Gujarat, raising alarms among local authorities in Palghar district. Fishermen captured videos showing sudden turbulence and bubbling across a large section of the sea, prompting fears of a possible disaster.

Unusual Activity in the Sea

The unusual churning has sparked concerns about several potential causes, including natural gas leaks from the seabed, underwater geological activity, or ruptured submerged pipelines. The exact cause of this phenomenon is now under investigation.

Safety Concerns for Vessels

Vivekanand Kadam, head of the Palghar District Disaster Management Cell, confirmed the report, calling the observed turbulence “highly unusual” and emphasizing the need for specialized attention from maritime and industrial agencies. He highlighted that the area is close to busy shipping lanes and significant fishing zones, increasing concerns for vessel safety.

Government Investigates

Authorities have launched an investigation, sending a team from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) to examine the site. Potential causes under review include natural methane gas releases, common in geologically active regions, as well as possible ruptures in oil and gas pipelines associated with infrastructure in the Mumbai High fields.

High Alert in Palghar

Gujarat’s Arabian Sea coast is geologically active, and similar disturbances have previously been linked to seismic activity or the destabilization of underwater hydrates—ice-like mixtures of water and gas. Palghar officials are coordinating with the Indian Coast Guard, National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), and ONGC to deploy survey vessels equipped with sonar and gas sensors for on-site analysis.

Fishermen Advised to Avoid the Area

Fishermen have been warned to steer clear of the affected waters and exercise extreme caution. The incident echoes similar events worldwide, such as the bubbling observed in the North Sea in 2024, which was linked to underwater explosions. This episode also highlights vulnerabilities within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, emphasizing the importance of real-time ocean monitoring systems like NIO’s planned unmanned sea missions.

Ships Advised to Alter Course

Shipping authorities have recommended rerouting vessels away from the affected area. Experts are collecting water samples to detect dissolved gases like hydrogen sulfide or carbon dioxide. The findings could provide valuable insights into deep-sea changes influenced by climate change or industrial safety risks, while local fishing communities remain on alert for any disruptions until investigations are complete.