Online commentators reacted with outrage after revelations that Hamilton’s Seabright sewage outfall was contaminating recreational waters around nearby beaches during heavy winds and swell.

Many raised concerns over the implications for tourism, while others lamented the problem as something that has plagued Bermuda for all too long.

“I am a frequent visitor and always stay on the south shore. Last summer I came down with a vicious ear infection. Not sure if this is a coincidence but the gov’t better be all over this. And I don’t care if it’s “only” for 10 hours and during unusual weather. Don’t sweep this under the rug Bermuda!” - KSiegfried.

“I’ve been a visitor from the US for more than 20 years and am so sad to read this news — though not terribly surprised. Mid-Atlantic coast US beaches pump sewage into the sea and have been for years. It’s one of the reasons property owners have built so many pools along the coast. Even when the homes are only steps from the ocean. This won’t stop me from visiting Bermuda, but it’ll sure change the way I enjoy South Shore beaches. Salmonella poisoning isn’t fun. And this is one sure way to get it. Please, please step up treatment facilities.” - Travel Writer

“This report should be a public document. Why has it not been released? I walk on Grape Bay beach — and can confirm the greaseballs have been a feature for more than a decade when the currents are from the East.” - Fresh Air

“Back in 1972 — yes, 1972 — I was interviewed as a candidate for the Bermuda Rhodes Scholarship. The interviewers asked me what I considered to be Bermuda’s problems and major issues at the time. My FIRST answer was that it was unacceptable — in 1972 — for Bermuda to be putting untreated sewage into the ocean. Half a century later, nothing has changed. Shame, shame, shame ...” - George Patton

“This is a horror story that never seems to go away. I was under the impression the hospital had a treatment system to deal with hazardous waste getting into the sea?

“There’s always been a lot of lip service from officialdom re environmental controls and waste, in Bermuda. When will people learn that the environment is all we have and if we screw it up it will take revenge beyond our worst nightmare?” - Redford

“The fragile optimism for the future of tourism has been dealt a savage blow. The pristine waters surrounding Bermuda are now allegedly awash with human excrement, depending on the weather conditions. Bermuda’s competition in the tourism market will have a field day with this information. I wonder how much it will cost to sanitise the problem?” - socrates

“Everyone hope potential tourists don’t read about this! Who on earth would pay huge bucks to come here & potentially be swimming in s@5$?” - Bobb23

“What was the Tourism slogan again?” - tourist