Mystery device found on a Perth beach with a cryptic message was a marine flare

Mystery device with a cryptic message on its side is finally revealed after the ADF shut down city beach to blow it up

A device found at a Perth beach has been found to be a marine flare
The object aroused intrigue after the ADF were called in to dispose it
A local surfer said the one-metre long device was ‘missile shaped’

By Jade Hobman For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 15:51 BST, 24 June 2023 | Updated: 15:56 BST, 24 June 2023

A mysterious ‘missile-shaped’ object which washed ashore and caused a picturesque city beach to be shut down while the ADF blew it up has been identified as a marine flare.

The device used in emergency situations on the ocean sparked a military response when it was discovered by a swimmer at North Beach on Perth’s northern coast at 3.40pm on Friday.

It is understood the object had writing on the side of it warning people to stay away from the device and contact police.

Authorities guarded the object while the Australian Defence Force was called in to investigate before it was disposed of at 6.50pm at the beach in what is believed to be a controlled explosion.

Residents reported hearing a loud bang at that time.

The device used in emergency situations out on the ocean caused a stir when it was discovered by a swimmer at North Beach on Perth’s northern coast at 340pm on Friday

An ADF spokesperson said WA Police asked the agency to ‘respond to a marker marine flare’ where it then ‘safely disposed of the flare on site using routine measure’ (pictured, stock image of marine flares)

Marmion local Kieran Jessup told the West Australian he was surfing when he saw a police officer guarding the object waiting for the ADF to arrive.

‘I usually come in at a certain section of the reef but police waved me away from it,’ he said.

Mr Jessup said the one-metre long object was missile shaped and about the size of an adult arm.

He also said the ‘whole suburb’ heard the explosion, adding ‘it was a bit of a hot topic there in the water’ while he was out surfing on Saturday morning.

Authorities guarded the object while the Australian Defence Force was called in to investigate before it was disposed of at 650pm at the beach (pictured, a stock image of the ADF at a training exercise)

An ADF spokesperson said WA police asked the agency to ‘respond to a marker marine flare’ where it then ‘safely disposed of the flare on site using routine measure’.

If a member of the public discovers an unexploded device they are urged to leave it alone and contact police immediately.

Marine flares are safety devices used by ship and boat operators to create distress signals when help is needed.

The flares can also pinpoint a boat’s location for a search vessel.

Marine Flares used at sea

Flares are an effective device for signalling distress and showing your position – they’re highly visible on the water and from the air.

There are several types of flare, with each having benefits:

Orange smoke – when triggered, this lets off a cloud of orange smoke, which can’t be extinguished due to heavy rain or howling wind.

These are good as a line-of-sight distress signal, but because there’s nothing burning (and so nothing glowing) they’re suited for daytime use only.

Red handheld – effective as a line-of-sight distress signal by day and night, handheld flares are very bright with a good visibility range.

They are very visible from an aircraft and will usually burn for up to 60 seconds.

Red parachute or rocket – capable of attracting attention in daylight for up to 10 miles depending on conditions and up to 40 miles at night.

The rocket launches the flare up to a height of about 300 meters and the flare burns for 40-60 seconds as it slowly descends. But don’t use this type of flare when there is a helicopter or aircraft overhead.

Source: Boatie’s Best Mate

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