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The ocean's vastness and global shipping industry contribute to a staggering amount of marine debris, with an estimated 23 million metric tons of plastic waste reaching waterways in 2016. This debris can take various forms, including lost cargo, abandoned fishing gear, and intentional beach placements as art installations. Recent instances include the 1992 "Great Rubber Duck Spill," where 28,000 rubber duckies washed up on shores worldwide, and the 2014 dumping of Marlboro cigarettes in French waters. In some cases, medical waste has also contaminated beaches, highlighting issues with waste management and mismanagement.

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Source: https://www.popsci.com/environment/weirdest-things-to-wash-up-on-beaches/