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Australian Defence Force personnel have detonated unexploded ordnance in the East Arnhem Land region of the Northern Territory.
The suspected unexploded ordnance was originally found on a beach near Nhulunbuy Surf Lifesaving Club earlier this week but is believed to have naturally moved to the site during a rainy period in April and May this year.
The Northern Territory Police Force, Nhulunbuy Surf Lifesaving Club and Nhulunbuy Corporation assisted ADF personnel with cordoning the site and the following detonation.
“Senior Sergeant Daniel Bell advises that the incident near the Nhulunbuy Surf Lifesaving Club involving the suspected unexploded ordnance is now resolved, with the items detonated around 0630hrs by the ADF technician,” according to NT Police.
“The blast was reported to be heard across most of the township, but it was achieved without injury to any persons or damage to property.
“Police would like to thank the community for their assistance and patience with this matter and would like to also thank the Nhulunbuy Surf Lifesaving Club, Nhulunbuy Corporation and ADF for their assistance. Activities planned in the area throughout today will proceed as scheduled.
“The remnants of the item have been disposed of locally. At this point, it has not been formally identified and is believed to have been in situ for a period of around five weeks in a mostly buried state, likely naturally moved to the site during the rainy period in April/May with the substantial water flows and some tidal activity in that area.”
Unexploded ordnance items are periodically located across northern Australia, and people are encouraged to report items of suspicion to local police immediately, according to NT Police Force.
