The discovery of an object on a beach in Bembridge has led to HM Coastguard being called into action this afternoon (Sunday).
Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team are currently on scene at Bembridge Point where a partially buried object, thought to be around 2ft in length, has been discovered.
A local resident was walking in the area earlier on today when he made the alarming discovery. With fears for public safety, the gentleman called Hampshire Constabulary on 101 who advised he contact Environmental Health. However, knowing that an urgent response was needed, he decided to contact the Coastguard instead.
The object is described as being sealed at both ends with silver plating. It appears to be an aged item.
Coastguard Officers have cordoned off the area and have passed on photographs of the find to the Royal Navy Bomb Disposal Team. It is unclear at this moment in time if the attendance of a Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team will be needed.
UPDATE @ 17:40 – Royal Navy Bomb Disposal experts from Portsmouth have been deployed to the scene.
A 100m exclusion zone has been put in place.
UPDATE @ 18:00 – The incident has been brought to a complete close as new information has come to light.
A local haulage operator has come forward to say that the object is a digger bucket pin.
Satisfied with the identification of the device, Royal Navy EOD have stood down and are returning to base.
The cordon has now been removed and HM Coastguard have stood down from the incident.
“I see no ships” said the telescope. “Not surprised” replied the captain “your behind a sandbank”.