JAPAN - In Nago, a picturesque Japanese port located on the island of Okinawa, an incident at a beer factory caused a significant leak that turned the surrounding sea a striking shade of red. The local coast guard reported this unusual occurrence, which left residents in shock as they witnessed the crimson-colored water flowing into the canals of the port. The beer factory responsible for the leak is owned by Orion Breweries, a prominent company based in Okinawa. In response to the incident, the brewery promptly issued an apology, acknowledging that the leak was caused by propylene glycol—a substance widely used for various purposes, including food sweetening and cooling systems. While propylene glycol is generally considered harmless, its unintended release into the water had an unintended and visually striking consequence.

Recognizing the impact of their actions, Orion Breweries expressed their regret for the inconvenience and concern caused to the nearby residents and other affected individuals or organizations. The incident occurred in Nago, which is well-known for its popularity as a tourism hotspot, boasting pristine white beaches that attract visitors from far and wide.

According to the Okinawa Times, the coolant from the beer factory's leak flowed through rainwater gutters, leading to the discoloration of both the seas and rivers within the city. However, the outflow of red water ceased at 9:30 AM, indicating that immediate measures were taken to mitigate the situation.

Interestingly, this is not the first time that an industrial accident has caused a waterway to adopt a blood-red appearance. In 2016, authorities in Russia investigated a similar incident in the Arctic city of Norilsk. The Daldykan River in Norilsk turned crimson, raising concerns about pollution. It was later determined that a leaking slurry pipe from a nickel manufacturing plant was responsible for the disconcerting transformation of the river. The incident prompted Russia's Environment Ministry to address the issue and take appropriate measures to prevent further environmental damage.