Suspected Ordnance And Gas Canister Wash Up On Cumbrian Beaches
Coastguard teams were called to two separate reports of potentially dangerous items found washed up on Cumbrian beaches.
Whitehaven and Maryport Coastguard Rescue Teams were first sent to the south shore of Maryport after members of the public reported finding an object that appeared to be ordnance. The callout took place during the weekend, when the item was discovered on the beach and raised concerns about its possible nature. Coastguard personnel attended to assess the situation and establish the appropriate response.
The object found at Maryport was subsequently confirmed to be ordnance. Once the discovery had been assessed, the information was passed to the Army bomb disposal team so that the item could be dealt with safely. The incident demonstrated the importance of reporting suspicious objects rather than attempting to investigate or handle them independently.
A second callout followed at Silloth after another report was received concerning an object that appeared to have washed ashore. This response involved Coastguard Rescue Teams from Maryport, Whitehaven and Brough, who attended the location to examine the reported item and determine whether it presented a potential danger to people using the beach.
In this case, the object at Silloth was found to be a large gas canister rather than ordnance. The canister was moved above the high tide mark by the response team and secured with tape while arrangements were made for it to be collected by the local council. This ensured the item was kept away from the immediate shoreline while awaiting removal.
The two incidents occurred close together and involved reports from members of the public who had noticed unusual objects on beaches. The coastguard response highlighted how quickly apparently similar discoveries can require different actions once the objects have been assessed. One item required information to be passed to military explosives specialists, while the other could be secured and left for council collection.
Beach users are being warned not to touch or move objects that could potentially be unexploded ordnance. Items washed ashore can be difficult to identify safely, particularly when they have been exposed to seawater, sand and changing weather conditions. An object that appears old, damaged or harmless should not be handled simply because its identity is unclear.
The advice is particularly important along the Cumbrian coastline, where objects can be carried ashore by tides and currents. Members of the public may come across unfamiliar metal containers, military looking objects or other debris while walking on beaches. Without specialist knowledge, it may not be possible to determine whether an item is safe simply by looking at it.
Anyone who discovers an object that could potentially be ordnance should keep away from it and avoid disturbing the surrounding area. The coastguard advice is to obtain a grid reference or use What3Words to establish the location, where it can be done safely without approaching the object. Accurate location information can then help emergency teams identify and reach the site.
The public should then call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Providing the location and a description of what has been found can allow the appropriate response to be arranged. People should not attempt to transport the object, open it, move it away from the shoreline or otherwise interfere with it while waiting for assistance.
The Maryport incident showed why such precautions are necessary. The object initially reported as something that looked like ordnance was confirmed to be ordnance, meaning that specialist personnel were required to deal with it. Passing the information to the Army bomb disposal team ensured that the item could be handled by people equipped and trained to assess potential explosive hazards.
The Silloth incident also demonstrated the value of professional assessment before action is taken. Although the object was not ordnance, it was a large gas canister that had washed ashore and still required appropriate handling. It was moved beyond the high tide mark and secured before being left for council collection, preventing it from continuing to move with the tide.
The incidents come only days after another suspected ordnance discovery on the West Cumbrian coast. Earlier in the week, suspected items found at Drigg beach were assessed by an Army explosive ordnance disposal team, with two items containing explosives safely detonated after the response operation. The repeated discoveries underline the importance of treating unidentified objects on the coastline with caution.
Coastguard teams continue to rely on members of the public reporting unusual discoveries when they are found along beaches and coastal areas. Early reporting can help emergency services assess the situation before an object is disturbed or moved. It can also reduce the risk of members of the public coming into close contact with potentially hazardous material.
The latest incidents at Maryport and Silloth provide a clear reminder for residents and visitors using Cumbrian beaches. Not every unusual object found on the shoreline will be dangerous, but members of the public should not make that assessment themselves when an item could potentially be ordnance. Keeping a safe distance and contacting the Coastguard allows trained personnel to determine what action is required.
With both incidents now being dealt with by the relevant authorities, the public is being urged to remain vigilant when visiting the coastline. Anyone who encounters a suspicious object should leave it undisturbed, record its location from a safe distance and contact emergency services rather than attempting to move it themselves.
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