Coastguard advice on reporting ordnance found on beaches

Date published: 7th April 2022

An unexploded ordnance was discovered on the beach in Walcott earlier this week and was disposed of safely by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from 11 EOD and Search Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.

Following this, we would like to remind our residents and visitors that they should always be mindful of objects they may discover on our beaches.

While it is very rare to find unexploded ordnance on our beaches, bad weather and high tides can expose these objects, especially during spring and autumn.

However, if you should find an object of an unusual size or shape, often rusty, on one of our beaches, the Maritime Coastguard Agency has offered the following advice.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency said:

“If you see an ordnance or an object of an unusual size or shape, especially after bad weather or a high tide, it could be an unexploded ordnance.

Please don’t touch it or move it. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. They will take the necessary steps with the relevant partner authorities to keep people safe.”

For more information and other coastal safety advice from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, visit their website here - HM Coastguard

And further general safety advice can be found here:

General coastal safety advice (winter)

Coastal safety advice from HM Coastguard

Expect the unexpected at the coast. Tips for coastal safety

Safety Spotlight - There's no such thing as bad weather. True or False? (hmcoastguard.blogspot.com)

Swimming safety (it’s chilly in the water at this time of year!)

Safety Spotlight - Sea Swimming and Cold Water Shock (hmcoastguard.blogspot.com)