Drum of 'hazardous acid' washes up on beach in Cornwall
Part of Crinnis at Carlyon Bay had to be coronded off after the discovery on Sunday afternoon (14th February)
Last updated 15th Feb 2021
A drum, reported to contain hazardous acid, has washed up on a Cornish beach.
Part of Crinnis at Carlyon Bay was cordoned off, amid claims the drum was full of phosphoric acid.
St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service were scrambled on Sunday afternoon.
Experts have since been called to remove it.
Crews are urging everyone to stay away from potentially dangerous or hazardous materials on our beaches.
There are fears more could wash up, after the tail end of Storm Darcy triggered huge waves for several days.
"An appliance from St Austell and a flexi-duty officer were mobilised following a report from HM Coastguard of a drum of phosphoric acid that had washed up on the beach.
"Fire Service resources liaised with HM Coastguard and beach security to formulate a plan.
"Cordons were put in place and an overdrum was requested to be brought to the scene from St Austell Community Fire Station.
"Following specialist advice from a Hazardous Material Environmental Protection Advisor, firefighters donned breathing apparatus and gas tight suits to safely approach the hazardous drum.
"The drum was inspected and eventually recovered into the overdrum.
"A specialist contractor has been contacted to remove and dispose of the hazardous substance".
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service
"Whilst at home with our loved ones, the pagers went off to the reports of a chemical drum washed up at Carlyon Beach.
"Working along side St Austell Community Fire Station we cordoned off the area, whilst the firefighters used specialist suits and equipment to remove the drum to safe area for disposal.
"Some great interagency working to achieve a safe outcome.
"With the storms washing debris up onto beaches, please don't touch any drums, containers or ordnance and call 999 for the coastguard.
"Stay safe near the water".
St Austell Coastguard Rescue Team