Coastguard officers were tasked to a remote beach in the South Wight this afternoon (Saturday) following the discovery of a box of ammunition.
Ventnor Coastguard Rescue Team were made aware of the situation by Solent Coastguard at 15:49, with officers requested to attend the scene at Blackgang Beach and carry out initial investigations.
The box of cartridges for small arms was located on the shore below the high water line and photographs were taken. The photos were then sent to the Royal Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team in Portsmouth, who suggested that the item should be taken into the custody of HM Coastguard and recovered to Ventnor Coastguard Station.
The actions of the first informant have been praised as they did the right thing in calling the Coastguard, whilst leaving the ammunition alone.
If you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea, or if you spot what you think may be unexploded ordnance, then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Further safety information can be found at https://coastguardsafety.campaign.gov.uk/.
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Wow, it is amazing how Nato can tailor make ammunition for people with small arms now. I guess they have less recoil or something. Lucky the whole lot never got hot and exploded. Imagine if someone had lit a bar b q near by.
Empty box worth a bit on eBay, contents worth a fortune on the black market. Well done Boys In Blue for shutting down that drugs and firearms group. I just hope they don’t get smacked hands and Community Service
Shutting down drugs and firearms group? It was a box of ammo could of come from anywhere. I did not hear of any drugs or anybody getting arrested! Well shut down this group of pirates around the Island will not be able to carry on now they lost a little box of ammo.
After they blew it up they realised it was full of cheese and pickle sarnies…..!!
Surely a box IF full of ammo, would be too heavy to wash up a beach to that tideline height?
I know the seas get rough, but a full box of lead and brass ammo, would never float and be tossed that far up a beach.
Either it was empty, or filled with something lighter, or someone was bringing it ashore for illegal purposes.
We do have Blackgang nearby.
Can I have the box please