Undefined Explosive Device (UED) event in Dunbar, Belhaven Beach area, United Kingdom on Thu 2nd July 2026

The Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called to Belhaven Beach in Dunbar on Thursday following the discovery of an ordnance that had washed up on the shore from the Second World War.

Dunbar Coastguard has since issued a warning to the public that ordnance “occasionally” washes up or is uncovered on beaches from the war and that they still pose a “significant likelihood” of being dangerous.

Visitors have been warned that if they see any object of unusual size or shape on the beach, they should not “touch or move” it and instead call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Dunbar Coastguard shared the warning along with a video on social media of the ordnance being detonated on the beach by the EOD team.

Another picture was shared by the coastguard which showed around a dozen unexploded ordnances found on Belhaven Beach this week.

“A warning to all those that use our beaches around Dunbar,” a statement read from a Dunbar Coastguard spokesperson. “We occasionally receive reports of ordnance washed up or uncovered on our local beaches, usually stemming from the WW2 era.

“Whilst it may look harmless, please be advised there is a significant likelihood that it could still present a danger. For example, today a series of controlled explosions were needed at Belhaven due to live WW2 era ordnance being discovered.

“If you see an object of an unusual size or shape on the beach, especially after bad weather or a high tide, it could be unexploded ordnance.

“Please don’t touch it or move it. Call 999 and ask for COASTGUARD.

“We will take the necessary steps with the relevant partner authorities to keep people safe.”