QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — It appears that high tides in Ecuador have been tossing a lot more than seaweed onto the shore: Hundreds of bathers have scooped up what look like U.S. coins, as well as rings, bracelets, necklaces and other silver- and gold-colored jewelry.
The Teleamazonas TV station broadcast images Friday of beachgoers collecting the flotsam at the El Muercielago beach in the Pacific port city of Manta.
One woman told the TV station she collected a total of $24.50.
No one could say where the objects came from. Manta police did not return calls seeking information.
Teleamazonas reported the treasure-bearing tide began Wednesday and lasted through Thursday.
Manta lifeguard Felix Burgos told the station a similar high tide washed coins ashore five years ago.