A chunk of Medmerry Beach was shut down after a suspected bomb sparked a coastguard and bomb squad emergency.
Bomb scare triggers coastguard chaos
At 6.21pm on Saturday, 4 January, Selsey Coastguard teams rushed to Medmerry Beach. Someone had spotted what looked like unexploded ordnance lying on the sand. The rescue crew quickly found the suspicious item, snapped photos, and sent them to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts for assessment.
After a first check, the Coastguard stood down but awaited EOD’s verdict.
EOD clears initial find but blows up nearby device
The following morning at 7.48am, the Coastguard returned to inspect the beach. EOD specialists arrived soon after to investigate the suspicious discovery.
Thankfully, the first item was declared safe and non-explosive. However, the drama wasn’t over. A separate suspicious object nearby was cordoned off and safely detonated in a controlled blast by the bomb squad.
With the explosion complete, the beach was reopened to relieved locals and visitors.
Coastguard warns: Stay sharp, stay safe
“If you spot anything odd or suspect ordnance on the beach, don’t touch or move it. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard right away,” the team urged.
Officials stressed ordnance can take many shapes and may still wash up on Medmerry Beach. Previous finds have included extremely dangerous explosives.
Beachgoers are urged to keep their eyes peeled and report anything suspicious to help keep everyone safe.
