Sidmouth: Suspected bomb turns out to be MSC Napoli flotsam

HM Coastguard investigated a suspected bomb which turned out to be a vehicle part on Branscombe beach on Saturday afternoon (11 February).

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit in Plymouth confirmed that the item was not ordnance and was safe to move.

The object, which appears to be vehicle part known as a torque converter, is believed to be flotsam from the cargo ship MSC Napoli that was run aground off Branscombe in 2007.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard's Beer Rescue Team said: "Tasked to investigate possible ordnance which was only visible at low tide.

"The object had been found the day before, but the incoming tide soon covered it.

"We located the object and took photos which were sent to the EOD at Plymouth who confirmed what we thought, that it was not ordnance and was safe to move.

"16 years since MSC Napoli was grounded in local waters and still items are being washed ashore."