Undefined Explosive Device (UED) event in Greeb Farm, Cornwall area, United Kingdom on Fri 17th July 2026

"If you ever come across a suspicious object on the coast, do not touch it"

This was the moment what was thought to be an unexploded piece of ordnance was blown up in a controlled explosion on the South West Coast Path in West Cornwall.

Coastguard were called by a member of the public at lunchtime on Friday after coming across the suspicious object in the ground just past Greeb Farm, near Lands End. The Coastguard team cordoned off the area, diverted people walking the coast path and called in the police and the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.

They arrived at the location - near Pordenack Point - and inspected it, deciding it was best to be destroyed in a controlled explosion.

A spokesperson for the Lands End Coastguard Search and Rescue Team confirmed: “We were tasked by Falmouth Coastguard to reports of potential ordnance found near Pordenack, just past Greeb Farm at Lands End. “On arrival, the team quickly established a cordon and stopped people continuing along that stretch of coast path.

Whilst this happened, EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) had been contacted and were asked to attend, along with Devon and Cornwall Police.

“Once EOD had arrived, they inspected and carried out a controlled detonation of the object to destroy it.

“As Coastguard Rescue Officers, we are trained to deal with situations like this to ensure any suspected objects aren’t accidentally triggered with people nearby,” he added. Coastguard teams are advising people to be cautious if they come across suspicious looking objects.

“If you ever come across a suspicious object on the coast, do not touch it, do not move it, do not take it away - move to a safe distance and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard,” he added.