A recent incident at a beach near Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, has shed light on the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface of serene coastal settings. The incident involved a family who unknowingly posed for photographs next to an unexploded World War II mine, mistaking it for a harmless buoy. This serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the hidden risks that remnants of wartime history can still pose today.
The family, consisting of 32-year-old Kelly Gravell and her two children, were enjoying their day at the beach when they came across a seaweed-covered object. Unbeknownst to them, it was a 70-year-old bomb. Only later did Carmarthenshire Council rangers identify it as such. Prompt action was taken, and the beach was closed five days later. The bomb squad was called in, and a controlled detonation resulted in a dramatic explosion on the far side of the harbor.
Father Gareth took to Twitter to share his surprise, posting images of his children playfully interacting with the disguised explosive. In a mildly humorous tweet, he commented, “So the buoy my kids were jumping on all weekend turns out to be a WWII bomb. Oops.” Ms. Gravell later recalled that they were more interested in the barnacles on the object than its true nature. They dismissed it as a harmless buoy, even jokingly referring to it as a “big bomb” without thinking twice.
Reflecting on the incident, Ms. Gravell remarked, “We were close to disaster – it’s shocking.” While expressing their intent to return to the beach, the couple, who run a waste management firm, emphasized the need for caution. Ms. Gravell stated, “We’ll definitely think twice before messing with something like that in the future, and we went down for a look to see it get blown up.”
Councillor Meryl Gravell, executive board member for leisure at Carmarthenshire Council, assured the public that appropriate action had been taken. Despite any inconvenience caused by the temporary closure of the beach, she extended apologies to the public. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and caution when exploring unfamiliar objects on the beach, as potential risks may not be immediately apparent.
Moreover, this incident underscores the need for increased awareness and education about the dangers of unexploded bombs and other remnants of wartime history. It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution and avoid interacting with unfamiliar objects on the beach, as they may pose significant threats. The incident serves as a cautionary tale and emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and informed when exploring coastal areas.
In conclusion, the family’s accidental encounter with an unexploded bomb serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers that remnants of wartime history can still present today, even in seemingly peaceful coastal settings. It reinforces the importance of vigilance and caution when encountering unfamiliar objects on the beach, as potential risks may not be initially apparent. It is essential to prioritize safety and educate oneself about potential hazards to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
