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A peaceful hike through one of Cartagena's most beautiful natural areas turned into a military emergency operation when a Navy member stumbled upon what appeared to be a dangerous naval signal flare.

 

The discovery at Cala Dorada in Calblanque Natural Park on Tuesday July 29 set off a chain of events that would see the popular beach evacuated and bomb disposal experts called in.

 

An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (EDE) from the Mine Countermeasures Diving Unit (UBMCM) was called in the following day to examine the device.

 

After an initial investigation, the EDE confirmed that it was an MK-25 Model 3 naval signalling flare, which appeared to have been used but likely still contained some of its incendiary-smoke agent, white phosphorus.

 

With the support of a Guardia Civil patrol from Cabo de Palos that had been dispatched to the scene, Cala Dorada beach was cleared to proceed with the neutralisation of the device.

 

A Murcia Region 061 ambulance provided medical coverage during the operation. The EDE carried out a controlled detonation on-site to open the flare container and burn the remaining white phosphorus inside.

 

After sufficient time had passed, the device was considered to have burned out completely and was safe for transport. The remains of the flare were collected and deposited at the UBMCM recycling centre.

 

White phosphorus poses serious risks despite not being a high explosive. Navy sources explained that this incendiary-smoke agent ignites immediately upon contact with air and once the combustion reaction begins, it continues until every trace is consumed.

 

The substance's persistence makes it particularly hazardous. If white phosphorus gets wet or buried, the reaction simply pauses until it encounters air again. Direct contact with skin causes severe burns and in natural environments, it can start fires that prove extremely difficult to extinguish.

 

The authorities have since stressed that anyone discovering similar military devices should immediately contact COVAM or the emergency services. Never attempt to touch, move or examine such objects, as only trained specialists have the expertise and equipment to handle them safely.

 

The UBMCM, part of the Navy's Mine Countermeasures Force (FMCM), works alongside other Navy Diving Units across Spain's coastal regions. These specialised teams hold exclusive responsibility for detecting, identifying and neutralising explosive ordnance both at sea and on land, with personnel trained in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) techniques for underwater and terrestrial operations.

 

 

Image: Lemme Teach You via Wikimedia Commons