Possible Second World War-Era Artillery Shell Found on Western Newfoundland Beach
An RCMP investigation is underway after a suspected Second World War-era artillery shell was discovered on a beach in western Newfoundland. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police were alerted to the find on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, and have since cordoned off the area to ensure public safety. The device, believed to be an unexploded ordnance from the 1940s, was spotted by a local resident walking along the shoreline near the town of Stephenville.
RCMP officers are working with explosive disposal experts to assess the shell and determine the safest method of removal. Authorities have warned the public to avoid the area and report any similar findings. "We are treating this as a potential explosive hazard," said RCMP Constable Sarah Jenkins. "It is crucial that people do not touch or disturb any suspicious objects they may encounter on beaches or elsewhere."
The discovery has sparked interest among local historians, who note that Newfoundland's coastal regions were used for military training and coastal defense during the Second World War. Unexploded ordnance occasionally surfaces due to erosion and shifting sands. This incident follows a similar find in 2023, when a live mortar shell was discovered on a beach in Nova Scotia.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any unusual items to local authorities. The RCMP expects to provide an update once the shell has been safely removed and disposed of.
