Brief
Navy Marker Washes Ashore on California Beach, Taken Home by Beachgoer
A military pyrotechnic device capable of burning at 3,000 °F was found on a Ventura County beach and taken to a home in Ojai, prompting a response from the sheriff’s bomb squad and Navy experts.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A Navy MK25 phosphorus marine marker washed up on a Ventura County beach and was brought to a home in Ojai by a beachgoer before authorities were called. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad and Navy explosive experts from Point Mugu responded after the resident reported the device, which can burn up to 3,000 °F and contains hazardous phosphorus that may reignite when dry.
The sheriff’s bomb squad warned that even wet, expended markers remain dangerous, as residual phosphorus can dry and spontaneously ignite or explode when moved. The device, designed to create a visible reference point for aircraft or vessels, can also contain highly toxic material.
Orange County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad noted that several similar devices have washed ashore in recent weeks, possibly linked to powerful storms and rough ocean conditions. Ventura County beaches have recently faced high surf and dangerous conditions associated with remnants of Hurricane Marie and Hurricane Polo.
Authorities urged beachgoers to leave suspicious items in place, evacuate the area and call 911, stressing that attempting to handle such devices could end disastrously.
Key facts
- Navy MK25 phosphorus marine marker washed up on a Ventura County beach (nypost.com)
- Device can burn up to 3,000 °F and contains hazardous phosphorus (nypost.com)
- Beachgoer brought device to a home in Ojai before authorities were called (nypost.com)
- Ventura County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad warned of danger from residual phosphorus (nypost.com)
- Orange County Bomb Squad reported several similar devices washing ashore recently (nypost.com)
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Dangerous military device found abandoned on California beach”
