Coastguard job of the day: Bomb Squad

tres · 14 Mar 2011 at 16:52

We've been collecting a lot of old flares and small cartridges for a while that wash up on our beaches - our local Coastguard station insisted they send a Navy Bomb Squad over to the island to dispose of the stuff, as they were a small explosion risk.

So today, a Navy Rescue Helicopter flew out, complete with 3x Navy Bomb Squad guys. We met them as they landed, had a good chat, and we went to a nearby beach to set it all up.

The Bomb Squad dug a 5ft hole in the sand, wrapped the flares around a few large sticks of PE4 (?) explosive, set the detonating cord and we retreated to a safe distance.

It was a great explosion.

But, within a few seconds, the nearby bank had set alight. Within a few minutes, a 30 meter length of bank had caught fire. I called the fire brigade as it was obvious our efforts were in vain, and the end result was about 140 square meters of devastation!

Fire Fighters from 3 islands were brought in, ambulance, coastguards etc.

The 3 bomb squad guys were somewhat embarrassed!

I videoed it all, as it was quite impressive, which I'll edit later. I thought you guys, being all alpha men that like explosions and fire, would appreciate a few quick pics.

Ahleckz · 14 Mar 2011 at 16:57

Haha, that's ridiculous. Can't belief the bomb squad could let that happen.

Jonny ///M · 14 Mar 2011 at 16:58

Haha brilliant! Reminds me of the time my mate ended up setting fire to quite a lot of woodland due to really dry twig like things going up really quickly.

Nate--IRL-- · 14 Mar 2011 at 17:00

Hahah, Love the middle pic

Nate

Cosimo · 14 Mar 2011 at 17:04

LOL. I'd like to have seen the look on their faces.

Hurry up and get the video posted.

Westyfield2 · 14 Mar 2011 at 18:54

Good job you left the job of disposal to the experts.... oh wait!

TaKeN · 14 Mar 2011 at 18:55

Hahaha Oh Dear Dear!

I think it's safe to say.. you left them looking rather, Scilly...

Hastarius · 14 Mar 2011 at 18:59

I think they're best sticking to beeping bin bags

tom_e · 14 Mar 2011 at 19:01

Hahaha brilliant they won't be hearing the end of that for a while

SiriusB · 14 Mar 2011 at 19:08

It worries me that the bomb disposal experts did not realise things blowing up might set dry things alight! :eek:

Why did they dig the hole so close to the grass? There's a a whole bloody beach there!

2StepSteve · 14 Mar 2011 at 19:10

LOL I can imagine they were quite embarrassed!

Serpantine · 14 Mar 2011 at 20:12

Awesome

Edrof · 14 Mar 2011 at 20:12

Bumping this for excellence

Skillmister · 14 Mar 2011 at 20:18

Yep lets do it next to the grass not the water. HUZZAH

Aod · 14 Mar 2011 at 20:22

PE4 - the UK's equivalent to the ever-popular C4 that just about everyone else uses.

PE4 has ever so slightly higher detonation-velocity (a couple of percent) but is also more squidgy and malleable.

[TW]Fox · 14 Mar 2011 at 20:28

I didnt realise such a small group of islands had so many firemen :eek:

GreatAuk · 14 Mar 2011 at 20:31

That's brilliant... I can just imagine those bomb disposal guys on the way back -

'ahem, so, umm I won't tell the Brigadier if you don't'

*Incoming call from HQ*

'What the blazes have you bloody fools been up to, you rah rah rah rah rah rah'

Hodge · 14 Mar 2011 at 20:33

Have used PE4 in the Past. It smells like marzipan and will give you a cracking Headache.

Azza · 14 Mar 2011 at 20:37

Hahaha

Oh deary me!

Aod · 14 Mar 2011 at 20:42

Hodge said:
Have used PE4 in the Past. It smells like marzipan and will give you a cracking Headache.

you're not supposed to eat it