Italian beaches face safety hole and microplastic pollution concerns

In Riccione, a one‑metre‑deep hole dug by unknown individuals remains open on the busy Viale Ceccarini beach despite requests for a bulldozer to fill it. Local Forza Italia councilor Dionigi Palazzi criticised the municipal administration for inaction, noting the hazard to residents and tourists during peak season.

On Sardinia’s Poetto beach, beachgoers reported white pellets covering the sand and surf. Authorities suspect the material may be industrial polyethylene “nurdles,” a form of microplastic that can harm marine wildlife. Police and coast guard units have been dispatched to collect evidence and plan a cleanup, while the source of the contamination remains under investigation.