On a beach close to Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, a family almost averted death when they unintentionally posed next to an unexploded World War II mine that was first thought to be a buoy.

Five days later, the beach was abruptly closed by Carmarthenshire Council rangers who determined that the object was a 70-year-old explosive. It was neutralized by the bomb squad, leading to a controlled detonation.

The family was more intrigued by the barnacles on the item than by its actual purpose while they were at the beach.

It was mockingly written off as a buoy, and they even joked that it was a “big bomb.” The mother, Ms. Gravell, conveyed her surprise and stressed that they planned to return to the beach with more caution.

Councilwoman Meryl Gravell apologized for any disruption the beach closure may have caused and reassured the public that the proper measures had been taken.

This incident emphasizes the need to exercise caution while approaching strange things on the beach and serves as a warning of the hidden risks that military artifacts might provide in otherwise tranquil coastal areas.