Controlled Explosion for Shell Found at Watchet

A controlled explosion was carried out after an unexploded shell was found in a rock pool on the beach at Watchet in Somerset. A member of the public alerted the local Coastguard, which duly mobilised an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

A 200m safety cordon was put in place whilst the EOD undertook an assessment and identification of the object, which was later safely destroyed.

Such finds are fairly common in the area, with the coastline off Watchet having been extensively used as a practice artillery range during World War Two (WWII). Recent stormy weather is thought to have exposed and transported the shell onto the beach.

See: https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/200-metre-cordon-set-up-3647496