Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed an incident at Ynyslas beach on Sunday, July 5, which saw the beach car park cordoned off, was prompted by the discovery of two suspected unexploded ordnances.
Initial Discovery and Response
HM Coastguard Borth said its team was initially called to the beach shortly after 2:30pm following reports of a suspected item of ordnance. After photographing the object and passing the details to explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists, it was confirmed as suspected ordnance and arrangements were made for it to be destroyed in a controlled detonation.
Dyfed-Powys Police attended the scene at 4pm and established a safety cordon while EOD officers dealt with the incident.
Second Discovery During Medical Evacuation
While EOD teams were preparing to carry out the first controlled explosion, HM Coastguard Borth received a second call to assist with an injured person further along the beach towards Borth. Due to a shortage of available volunteers, HM Coastguard Aberystwyth was tasked to support the medical evacuation alongside the Borth RNLI Lifeboat.
As coastguard teams carried the stretcher across the beach, a team member spotted a second suspected item of ordnance. With EOD still on scene following the first incident, specialists accompanied the coastguard team to investigate the second discovery.
Controlled Detonations and Incident Conclusion
A second safety cordon was established before EOD carried out another controlled detonation. The incident concluded at around 9pm when responding teams were stood down.
HM Coastguard reminded the public that items of ordnance are regularly washed ashore on local beaches. Anyone who discovers an object they suspect may be unexploded ordnance is urged not to touch or move it. Instead, call 999, ask for the Coastguard, and provide the most precise location possible.
