Part of Burnham-On-Sea’s beach was sealed off last night (Wednesday) after an explosive flare was washed up on the high tideline.
A crewmember from rescue hovercraft charity BARB spotted the device near the town jetty at 7.30pm during a training session and Coastguards were alerted.
A cordon was set up to ensure that beach walkers were kept well clear until a specially trained Coastguard safely removed the device.
Drew Parkinson, Coastguard Senior Coastal Operations Officer, said: “This was a hand-held distress smoke flare, which can be dangerous and explosive when in an unstable condition.”
“BARB did the right thing in alerting us as soon as the flare was found and then keeping beach users away.”
“This is the fifth flare that’s been found washed up along our stretch of coastline in as many weeks, with the others removed from Brean.”
“We advise beach users not to touch them, and to report any that they find by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.”
