TRAINING torpedoes near a beach in Weston-super-Mare have been detonated by local coastguard rescue teams.
Crews from both Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare headed to Kewstoke on Thursday, April 4 to dispose of four ‘training’ torpedoes at the old MOD base off Collum Lane, which were due to be disposed of by the Army EOD team (Explosive Ordnance Disposal).
The torpedoes have been uncovered several times by walkers in the area, and the coastguard has been called out 'numerous' times since 2021 by passers-by worried the ordnance could be live ammunition.
A spokesperson for Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team said: "With the most recent call-out being on Wednesday, March 20, a decision was made to dispose of them once and for all.
"Being training units, they were filled with concrete instead of explosives and there was no danger of them going bang, but as they had been a regular cause of concern for the public when exposed, a safety cordon was put in place and the items were wrapped in detonation charges by the EOD team.
"With a little pop and a small plume of smoke they were broken down into manageable pieces for disposal.
"Once all the excitement was over, the cordon was collapsed and all teams headed home."
"Good work to all involved."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here