Stephenville Mayor Bob Byrnes expressed concern over the RCMP’s decision to transport a suspected Second World War-era explosive to a residential area, causing distress in the community. Byrnes described the incident as a wake-up call during an interview on CBC Radio’s Newfoundland Morning.
The explosive, weighing approximately 50 pounds and standing a foot high, was discovered on a St. George’s beach and reported to the RCMP, who then brought it to their detachment in Stephenville. Byrnes remarked that transporting the shell in a vehicle to Stephenville was not a wise choice.
Lt. Andrew Macleod, from the Canadian Armed Forces Atlantic fleet diving unit, emphasized that moving such explosives is highly discouraged due to the risk of detonation even with minor interactions. Although the shell was found to be stable, Macleod stressed the potential danger associated with handling such items.
Mayor Byrnes announced plans to meet with the RCMP and local military officials to discuss protocols for handling similar situations in the future. He acknowledged the anxiety experienced by residents who were potentially facing evacuation and emphasized the psychological impact of such incidents on the community.
The RCMP, in a statement, highlighted the importance of securing and monitoring the shell to prevent any unintentional detonation. They appreciated the cooperation of the community during this unusual event and expressed a commitment to enhancing emergency preparedness in the region.
A team from the Canadian Armed Forces, dispatched from Nova Scotia, confirmed the stability of the explosive device and safely detonated it, along with another cannonball reported in the area. Owen Russell, a resident of Stephenville, recalled hearing loud bangs that shook his house, expressing surprise at the handling of the explosive by law enforcement.
Macleod reiterated the importance of not touching potential explosive items and advised the public to contact authorities if such items are found. The RCMP emphasized the danger posed by military munitions, regardless of their appearance or condition.
Residents were relieved when the situation was resolved without incident, with authorities emphasizing the need for caution when encountering suspicious items.