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UPDATE: Mystery beach object declared safe

Photo: © Pat Flynn 2015
Members of the public have a close look after the object was declared safe – Photo: © Pat Flynn 2015

A 15 foot long object discovered on a beach in Co Clare yesterday has been declared safe.

Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts have confirmed its likely to be a pontoon that broke free and washed up on Spanish Point beach.

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Images of the pontoon, believed to weigh several tonnes, were sent to bomb disposal experts at Collins’ Barracks in Cork.

They have now confirmed that there is no hazard and that it can be safely removed.

Gardaí and the Irish Coast Guard had been monitoring the situation and had cordoned off a section of the beach as a precaution.

There were concerns that the pontoon could pose a danger to shipping if taken out by the tide.

A plan is now being devised to remove the pontoon.

The cylindrical tank was washed up on Spanish Point beach and is approximately 15 feet (4.5m) in length with a diameter of a metre and rounded at both ends. It also believed to weigh several tonnes and appears to be sealed.

Gardaí and Clare County Council were initially informed while later, the Irish Coast Guard was alerted and assumed responsibility for the incident.

Spanish Point Alert
Gardaí and Irish Coast Guard personnel at the scene last night – Photo: © Pat Flynn 2015

It was first spotted by retired Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) sergeant Fred Haptonstal and his wife Josephine who live in the area.

Josephine said: “It was about 10am when we saw it and reported it to the guards. It was still in the water at that stage and looked huge from where we were. I’m not sure that it was taken that seriously at the time but the guards did come out very quickly. Its sealed so there could be anything in it.”

One local said: “There were kids and adults throwing stones at it earlier so it can’t be that dangerous, I hope. It doesn’t appear hollow so there must be something in it. I think its some sort of ballast tank maybe from a ship.”

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