The Needles Landmark Attraction at Alum Bay was evacuated yesterday (Tuesday) after a 3-inch shell was discovered by a member of the public, who carried the explosive up from the beach below.
Needles Coastguard Rescue Team were called to the scene at 14:19 following reports of the discovery of a piece of explosive ordnance by a member of the public, who carried it up to staff from the beach below.
An initial cordon was set up by staff with a larger 200m cordon established by HM Coastguard upon their arrival, meaning everyone was evacuated from the park.
The Royal Navy Bomb Disposal team from Portsmouth arrived on scene at 19:20 last night and quickly dealt with the shell. All emergency personnel had left the scene by 19:45.
Tom Wyeth, station officer for The Needles Coastguard said:
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank management and staff of the Needles pleasure park for their understanding and assistance in this matter. I would also like to remind members of the public not to touch any suspicious objects they find along our coastline and report it to the coastguard on 999”
The Needles Park is open as normal today (Wednesday).
