Bomb squad called to inspect unusual object

Bomb squad called to inspect unusual object


Anton McNulty

The Army Bomb Disposal team from Athlone were called to inspect an unusual object which washed up on the shore near Mulranny which was labelled ‘Call Police or Military’.
The object washed up on the shore near the Atlantic Coast Road on the Currane Peninsula was found between 12 noon and 12.30pm on Sunday afternoon. When the cylindrical object, which was approximately two feet in length, was examined it had hazardous warning signs on it and was labelled ‘Call Police or Military’.
The Gardaí were informed and they in turn contacted that Army Bomb Disposal unit in Athlone who arrived at the scene at approximately 4.30pm.
However, when they examined the object they identified it as a marine marker device and deemed the device to be safe and took it away.
A marine marker is a buoyant device designed to be released from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to indicate position in the sea. When originally deployed, the marker emits a high intensity yellow flame and white smoke for up to 20 minutes  
A spokesperson for An Garda SíochΡna told The Mayo News that the device can contain traces of phosphorus which can be dangerous but on this occasion it was empty.
“On occasions these devices can contain phosphorus which can light up and it can be very dangerous to anyone who handles it. On this case it did not contain anything and there was no danger to anyone. It was deemed safe and as a result there was no road closures or disruptions and was simply taken away. No further action was required,” the spokesperson said.