India, June 24 -- A viral claim that a submarine was spotted off the coast of Myrtle Beach has been debunked by officials, who say the dark blue shape seen in the water was actually a large school of fish. The confusion began when a photo posted on Facebook showed a dark patch in the ocean and suggested it was a submarine. The post quickly spread online, triggering questions from locals and tourists alike. According to a report by Myrtle Beach Sun News, officials clarified that the black shape was a common ocean phenomenon known as a bait ball.

These occur when small fish group tightly together near the water's surface, creating what looks like a dark or oily patch in the sea. The formation is a natural defence mechanism used by fish to ...