A family outing at the beach took a shocking twist when they realized they had been posing for photos next to an unexploded World War II mine, mistaken for a harmless buoy. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that remnants of wartime history can pose, even in seemingly serene coastal settings.
A Narrow Escape
Kelly Gravell, a 32-year-old mother, and her two children stumbled upon the seaweed-covered object on a beach near Burry Port, Carmarthenshire. Little did they know that it was a 70-year-old bomb. The family had been enjoying their time at the beach, completely unaware of the danger lurking beneath their feet.
From Buoy to Bomb
Five days later, the beach was abruptly closed by Carmarthenshire Council rangers, who quickly identified the object as a potential threat. The bomb squad was called in to neutralize the situation, and a controlled detonation was carried out, resulting in a significant explosion on the far side of the harbor.
A Humorous Tweet
The father, Gareth, took to Twitter to express his surprise, sharing photos of his children playing next to the disguised explosive. His tweet humorously highlighted their unwitting encounter, saying, “So the buoy my kids were jumping on all weekend turns out to be a WWII bomb. Oops.”
Reflecting on the Incident
Kelly Gravell, reflecting on the incident, expressed her shock and emphasized the importance of being cautious. The couple, who run a waste management firm, stated that they would return to the beach but exercise increased vigilance. Ms. Gravell mentioned, “We’ll definitely think twice before messing with something like that in the future.”
Apologies and reassurances
Councillor Meryl Gravell, executive board member for leisure at Carmarthenshire Council, extended apologies for any inconvenience caused by the temporary beach closure. She reassured the public that appropriate action had been taken to address the situation.
Hidden Dangers in Familiar Places
This incident serves as a reminder that even familiar places can hold hidden dangers. Exploring unfamiliar objects on the beach requires vigilance and caution, as the potential risks might not always be apparent at first glance. It is essential to be mindful and stay safe while enjoying the beauty of our coastal settings.
