The Gironde gendarmerie called for caution after the discovery of several explosive devices on the Gironde coast. Despite their condition, these weapons are still very dangerous.
A beach in Gironde (illustration photo)
During a walk on the Girondin coast, it is best at this time to watch carefully where you are stepping. Indeed, the Gironde gendarmerie warned on January 4, 2020 on its Facebook page of the presence of several explosive devices in the area.
Devices still dangerous, more than 70 years after their release
"In recent days, several shells and other explosive devices have been discovered on the Girondin coast ", explains the gendarmerie. In question, the "gales which have marked these last weeks " and erosion according to France Bleu Gironde. These phenomena made it possible to discover this armament dating from the Second World War. On a single beach in the Médoc, in Vendays-Montalivet, no less than seven devices were discovered in two days at the beginning of January "Although in poor visual condition, these devices remain potentially explosive and therefore very dangerous ", reminds the gendarmerie. Dropped more than 70 years ago, these shells must not be handled or approached. The gendarmes recommend to contact them or to contact the police in order to transmit information on the machine:size, color ... And mark the location of the discovery.
READ. The USS Grayback, an American submarine sunk in 1944, has been found.
Hundreds of war junk already discovered
According to the Robin des Bois association, it is estimated "that between 10 and 20% of the bombs and shells did not work "during the two world conflicts. For the moment, 603 war wastes have been counted in France between January 1, 2012 and April 30, 2018. In addition to the risk they pose to walkers, these weapons are also dangerous for the environment.They pollute the soils and waters in which they have been forgotten.