Beachgoers in Lincolnshire are being urged to look out for unexploded war-time objects – after a suspected explosive was taken by the tide at Skegness.

HM Skegness Coastguard has issued the warning after being called out to a war-era ordnance on Saturday.

However, before a bomb disposal squad to get out to the site, the incoming tide covered the object – and when Coastguard teams later returned, it had disappeared.

They are now warning that winter storms and “rough seas” and could unearth more along our coast.

Photos from HM Skegness Coastguard's call-out to a suspected ordnance on Skegness beach.

placeholder image — Photos from HM Skegness Coastguard's call-out to a suspected ordnance on Skegness beach.

Writing about the event, on October 17, a spokesperson for Skegness Coastguard said: “The team were tasked to reports of suspected ordnance on the beach off Drake Road, Skegness.

“With a what3words location provided, the team were able to head straight to the object. Photographs were taken and passed to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team for further inspection.

“With the incoming tide quickly covering the object, the team were unable to carry out anything further and a decision was made to revisit the location the following day at low tide. This was a welcome relief for the team, with cold winds and blowing sand making conditions rather unpleasant!”

The next day the team returned to the same location, using the original what3words location.

The rusted object was covered by the incoming tide before a disposal team to come out to inspect it.

“However, with choppy seas and strong currents, the object was no longer in its original position,” the spokesperson said.

“The team carried out a search of the surrounding area but were unable to relocate it. It’s possible the object had been washed back out to sea, buried beneath the sand or moved further along the coastline. With nothing further found, the team were stood down and returned to station.”

A Winter Warning

Those venturing on to beaches in the coming weeks and months are advised to look out for suspected ordnance, with information on what to do if they find one.

“With the first winter storms forecast, rough seas, strong tides and shifting sands can uncover objects that have been buried for many years, including old wartime ordnance,” the spokesperson said. “This means there’s a chance more suspected ordnance could be uncovered along our coastline over the coming weeks and months.

“If you come across anything suspicious or something you’re unsure about while visiting the coast, please don’t take any chances.

• Do not touch, move or disturb the object.

• Keep yourself and others well clear.

• Make a note of the location, using what3words if possible.

• Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

They added: “Even if you’re unsure what you’ve found, it’s always better to report it and let the appropriate teams investigate. In an emergency on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”