ROYAL Navy Bomb disposal experts were called up from Plymouth last week (17th November) to carry out a controlled explosion on ammunition found by a walker on the banks of the River Severn. The member of the public discovered the unexploded ordnance on Sunday 15th November before calling the Chepstow Coastguard, who investigated and sealed off the area.

The Royal Navy’s Southern Diving Unit One (SDU1) were called up from Plymouth, and performed a controlled explosion at Beachley Point at 2.30pm on Wednesday 17th November.

Richard Hoyle, Deputy Station Officer at Chepstow Coastguard Station said: “An incident like this is fairly common in Beachley, as the geography of the area and the fast flowing tide coming down means it’s not uncommon for shells or ammunition to be washed up.

“For example up at the Second Severn Crossing area we’ve dealt with a few Spigot mortars that have washed up, as the Home Guard used to practise firing them into the Severn during the Second World War.

“The message the team wants to give is that if you see something suspicious or someone in danger in the water or on the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard Service. We don’t have a 101 number for the coast guard, so if you are suspicious don’t put yourself in danger, as it may look benign but you never know.”