Five days later, the beach was closed off after Carmarthenshire Council rangers identified the object as a decades-old wartime explosive. Authorities quickly brought in bomb disposal experts, who safely carried out a controlled detonation on the opposite side of the harbor. The event was captured on video, showing the successful and secure handling of the situation.
Kelly’s husband, Gareth, later shared their experience on social media, including photos of their children, Erin, six, and Ellis, four, playing near the object. He wrote, “So the buoy my kids were jumping on all weekend turns out to be a WWII bomb. Oops,” highlighting the unexpected nature of the discovery.
Recalling the moment, Ms. Gravell shared that the family had focused more on the barnacles clinging to the object than what it might actually be. “We just assumed it was a buoy,” she said. “We even joked about it being a bomb, but didn’t take it seriously at the time.”
Following the event, the family expressed gratitude that the situation ended safely and emphasized the importance of staying alert during outdoor adventures. “We’ll definitely be more cautious in the future,” Ms. Gravell said. “It was a reminder that even familiar places can hold unexpected surprises.”
Carmarthenshire Council’s executive board member for leisure, Councillor Meryl Gravell, confirmed that all necessary safety measures had been taken. She thanked the public for their patience during the temporary closure and reiterated the council’s commitment to public safety.
The story serves as a valuable reminder of the historical items that may occasionally be found in coastal areas and the importance of reporting unfamiliar objects to local authorities. While the family’s beach visit turned into something they’ll never forget, it also offers a thoughtful lesson in awareness and caution for others exploring the outdoors.
Note: This story originally appeared in August 2015 and is being republished due to renewed interest.