ADF warning: don’t touch unexploded bombs washing up on Qld beaches

ADF bomb disposal experts have issued a serious warning to Queenslanders after revealing they handle almost 500 explosive disposal jobs annually, with 100 bombs washing up on popular beaches.

Close to 100 bombs are washing up on Australian beaches every year, with the Australian Defence Force issuing a warning to Queenslanders to be vigilant.

The ADF’s Joint Explosive Ordnance Support team have revealed they get called to almost 500 bomb disposal jobs every year, with roughly 100 explosives being found washed up on beaches.

Lieutenant Colonel Mathew Brooks said they find “unexploded ordnance” washed up in places all over the country.

“We’ve noticed that because of military exercises … there’s been more opportunities for them to wash up on Australian beaches in South East Queensland and the Central Coast region,” he said.

“If you do see a marine marker or any kind of unexploded ordnance, even though you might not be sure, we just ask you not to touch it and inform police.”

Warrant Officer Class 2 Russell Geddes with mini DFRD remote initiation device, unexplored ordnance detonation demonstration, Greenbank. Picture: Liam Kidston

Lt Col Brooks said the JEOS has found explosives in popular places, such as a practice torpedo surfacing on the Gold Coast’s Main Beach.

Unexploded ordnance can also be found in developing suburbs that previously had strong military presence such as Darra and Wacol.

The team’s most recent task was disposing a helicopter rocket warhead found at Tryon Island off the coast of Gladstone.

One of the most common explosives found washed up on beaches is the Mk58.

Unexplored ordnance for detonation, Greenbank. Picture: Liam Kidston

Lt Col Brooks said people who find explosives should not touch them under any circumstances.

“We talk about three main hazards, a blast, a fragmentation or a burn hazard,” he said.

“Things like the Mk58 might not explode, but they might vent their white phosphorus smoke, and that is pretty corrosive.

“It can burn people from other hazards perspective. It really depends on the age, and this is why we say to anyone, ‘don’t assume they’re safe.’”

Originally published as ADF warning: don’t touch unexploded bombs washing up on Qld beaches