Intern training mine, Porthpean, St Austell Coastguard

Crews from St Austell Coastguard were called to reports of what was thought to be a large metal buoy near Porthpean on Monday (March 11).

Upon their arrival, the team met with a member of the public who directed them to the exact location of the object.

On further inspection, it was revealed to be a type of mine.

The large mine was found on Porthpean Beach on Monday (Image: St Austell Coastguard)

Photos were taken of the mine and sent to the coastguard's ops room and passed onto EOD (Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal) who attended the scene. However, due to tide timings this would not happen until the following morning.

At 8am on Tuesday (March 12) team members assembled in Porthpean to cordon off the area.

Once the object was visible, the EOD arrived at the scene and confirmed it was a mine. Fortunately, it was said to be an intern training mine, but it would still need to be removed due to the safety of other water users.

A plan was made to float the mine with the rising tide and tow it to Charlestown for removal.

Once the mine had arrived at the harbour, the EOD and the harbour master’s team, along with the coastal rescue team (CRT), ensured the safe removal to the Royal Navy vehicle.

The team assisted the whole operation with the exact location of the device, cordon control and reassurance to members of the public.

The mine was transported to Charlestown for safety (Image: St Austell Coastguard)

A spokesperson from St Austell Coastguard said: “Once again, great interagency working (our visit to EOD came in handy) between the Royal Navy, harbour master and HM CRT.

“We would like to thank all involved and the public for their patience and in particular the first informant who did exactly the right thing by calling us.”

If there’s an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.