Beach Re-Opened After Ordnance Removed

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) has reopened off-road vehicle (ORV) and pedestrian access to the Cape Point area in Buxton, North Carolina after receiving an all clear from the U.S. Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit team leader from Little Creek, Virginia. Earlier today, based on a report by Hatteras Island Rescue Squad of what appeared to be an old, unidentified military device on the sandbar off Cape Point, a call for assistance from the EOD unit was placed by Dare County Emergency Management. The EOD unit asked that a one mile safety perimeter be established until they could arrive and determine the exact nature of the item, and a portion of the perimeter fell within the boundaries of the Seashore, which resulted in the temporary closure of Cape Point to ORVs and pedestrians.

The EOD unit, after conducting a preliminary examination, determined that the item was a World War II era training ordnance. The item is being transported to Virginia for further examination and disposal. 

Outer Banks Group Superintendent David Hallac said, “the National Park Service appreciates the U.S. Navy’s and U.S. Coast Guard’s role in keeping park visitors and nearby vessels safely away from the unidentified item while it was being examined and removed by the EOD unit. We also appreciate our partnerships with the Dare County Sheriff's office, Hatteras Island Rescue Squad, and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission in keeping everyone safe.”

Original story posted earlier on Friday:

National Park Service is assisting multiple agencies with response to unidentified military device on sandbar near Cape Point.

Note: This isn't exactly Ocracoke news, but it's of great interest to beachcombers everywhere. You've probably heard about the new "island" that has formed off the tip of Hatteras Island (locally called "Shelly Island") – if not, read this. It's always interesting to know what washes up, and what gets uncovered, by shifting sands on these barrier islands.

 This morning, Hatteras Island Rescue Squad responded to a report of what appears to be an old, unidentified military device on the sand bar off Cape Point. Dare County Emergency Management requested assistance from the U.S. Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit from Little Creek, Virginia. Based on these images, out of an abundance of caution, the EOD unit asked that a one mile safety perimeter be established until they could arrive and determine the exact nature of the item.

A portion of the one mile perimeter falls within the boundaries of Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore), in the Cape Point area. The Seashore, in partnership with the Dare County Sheriff's office, Hatteras Island Rescue Squad, and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, will comply with the U.S. Navy’s direction by temporarily establishing a perimeter starting at the entrance to off-road vehicle (ORV) Ramp 44. The ORV ramp will reopen to ORVs and pedestrians once the Seashore has received an all clear from the U.S. Navy.