A suspected First World War shell discovered by a bait digger at Thorpe Bay beach in Essex sparked an emergency response and 100-metre safety cordon during the busy Easter weekend
A suspected First World War shell triggered an emergency response as a popular Essex beach had to be evacuated after it was found by a member of the public.
HM Coastguard Southend were alerted at around 8.10am following reports of a suspicious ordnance located roughly 40 metres offshore at Thorpe Bay yesterday (April 5).
The item was initially spotted by a local bait digger, leading Coastguard Rescue Officers and police to rush to the scene and conduct an initial assessment.
Photos and measurements were taken and forwarded to Dover Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, where Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts examined the details.
A 100-metre safety cordon was swiftly established to safeguard the public, with Essex Police providing assistance at the scene.
Following the initial review, EOD teams confirmed the object required further investigation and attended the site.
Upon arrival, specialists identified the item as part of a potential World War One-era QF 13-pounder field gun shell.
However, experts determined that the explosive fuse had either been removed or lost decades ago, meaning the object no longer posed a threat.
These shells were standard issue for British and Canadian Royal Horse Artillery units at the start of World War One. The Royal Horse Artillery, founded in 1793, later evolved into the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, which still performs at ceremonial events today.
The find serves as a stark reminder that historical ordnance can still surface along the Essex coast, especially in locations like Shoeburyness, which boasts extensive military heritage and continues to house an operational Ministry of Defence testing facility at neighbouring Foulness.
Coastguard crews reveal they have handled hundreds of comparable incidents throughout the years, with some devices necessitating controlled detonations, while others are securely extracted or declared safe.
The public are strongly advised against touching or relocating any suspect items discovered on beaches or in coastal waters, and should immediately alert the authorities instead.
Coastguard representatives expressed gratitude to the local community for their cooperation throughout the incident, which resulted in beach cordons being established during the hectic Easter weekend.
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