04-08-2025
'Time-expired' device found on popular North Wales beach
The alarm was sounded when an old pyrotechnic device was discovered on a Gwynedd beach by the local beach warden. It was reported to HM Coastguard, which immediately scrambled a team to the site.
The device was found on the shoreline at Dinas Dinlle, a west-facing beach near Caernarfon, on Sunday afternoon, August 3.
Rhosneigr Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) travelled from Anglesey to meet up with the beach warden and examine the device. Team members determined it was an unused orange smoke signal that had 'time expired'.
Technically known as Orange Handsmoke, this is a hand-held marine distress signal for daytime use. It produces a dense orange smoke for up to 60 seconds and is used for pinpointing positions and indicating wind directions.
Rhosneigr CRT said the devices often have important roles in rescue operations and emergency situations.
A spokesperson said: 'It was carefully inspected and handled by a team member, followed by being taped and wrapped up then placed into our pyrotechnic storage container to be safely transported away for correct and proper disposal.
'Many thanks to the local beach warden for calling the Coastguard.' Join the North Wales Live
Two years ago Rhosneigr CRT was called out to deal with an unexploded bomb that had washed up at Traeth Llanddwyn in southwest Anglesey.
It was found to be ordnance from the Second World War.
The area was cordoned off and a controlled detonation was carried out by the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.
