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Mystery Bubbles Off Hermosa Beach Traced to Fiber-Optic Conduit Work

Contractors say air pumped through a subsea conduit produced the bubbles during routine prep for future cable additions.

Overview

  • Videos showed a persistent patch of bubbles off Hermosa Beach this week, drawing widespread online speculation and onshore curiosity.
  • A resident, Mark Zurales, paddled out and confirmed with a nearby boat crew that they were contractors working on an underwater fiber‑optic cable.
  • Contractor Rick Devinney of Drake Traffic Control Services said crews were blowing air through a transpacific conduit from California to Asia to ensure it is clear.
  • The City of Hermosa Beach had posted a Nov. 6 construction notice and closed portions of Longfellow Avenue from Nov. 10 to Nov. 17 without detailing offshore activity.
  • The operation is expected to conclude by Friday, and CBS reported the work is preparatory as Meta is expected to add a new line in the coming months.