Suspected Tsunami Debris Continues Washing Ashore

Two-and-a-half years after an earthquake and tsunami devastated parts of Japan, suspected debris from the disaster continues to quietly wash ashore in Hawaii and along the West Coast of North America.

Officials in Hawaii have confirmed seven items at tsunami debris this year alone, including a plastic bin that had a live bird inside.

One group in Alaska has reported picking up a quarter-million pounds of debris this season, a function largely of additional funding. Not all of that is tsunami debris, though.

According to the U.S. government, of the nearly 1,900 reports of suspected tsunami debris, only about 35 have been confirmed. It’s not clear what’s still out there though debris is expected to continue washing ashore for years.