A Royal Navy bomb disposal squad was deployed to Charmouth Beach, Dorset, after reports of a suspected explosive device, only to discover the object was nothing more than an old, upturned saucepan.
Emergency services were alerted around 10am on Monday when a concerned member of the public spotted what appeared to be potential ordnance partially buried in the sand. The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) immediately notified the authorities, prompting a swift response from Dorset Police and the West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team.
As a precaution, a cordon was established, and experts from the Royal Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit in Plymouth were dispatched to assess the item.
Cordon Extended as Bomb Fears Grow
Upon arrival, responders examined the weathered metal object and took measurements, sending images to ordnance specialists. Due to its corroded appearance and shape, there were concerns that it could be a historical explosive device, possibly dating back to wartime.
Given the potential risk, the initial cordon was extended to 100 metres while bomb disposal experts prepared for a possible controlled detonation.
However, once the object was fully excavated, the reality of the situation became clear, it was a heavily rusted saucepan.
Authorities Defend Response
Despite the false alarm, emergency responders have defended the decision to treat the incident seriously, emphasising the importance of public safety.
A spokesperson for Lyme Regis Coastguard explained:
“Due to the heavily weathered metal item being partially buried, we took photos and measurements and passed them on to EOD experts for assessment. An initial cordon was put in place, which was later increased to 100m after the Royal Navy bomb disposal experts expressed interest based on the object’s appearance and measurements.”
“The Royal Navy bomb disposal team from Plymouth arrived shortly after and, upon closer inspection and subsequent digging out, determined that the object was a very old straight-sided saucepan or similar metal container.”
Authorities have praised the beachgoer who reported the item and urged others to do the same if they come across anything suspicious.
“We ask people if they do come across something on the beach that might be unexploded ordnance, to not touch it, just call 999 and ask for the coastguard,” a spokesperson advised.
While this incident may have ended with a rather unusual discovery, experts warn that genuine wartime ordnance is still found on UK beaches, and every report must be taken seriously.
