A MAN out metal detecting came across unexploded ordinance at Freshwater West beach last Sunday (Jul 16).

Police were quickly called and attended to make the scene safe and later, a RLC Bomb Disposal team were later, The Herald Understands, to perform a controlled explosion.

The RLC (Royal Logistic Corps) is a branch of the British Army responsible for a variety of logistical support tasks, including bomb disposal and dealing with unexploded ordnance (UXO). They are trained in specialised techniques to defuse and neutralise explosive devices, ensuring the safety of civilians and military personnel.

Summary of RLC Bomb Disposal and UXO Operations:

1. Detection and Assessment: The process typically begins with the identification of a suspicious device or UXO. This can occur through various means, such as reports from civilians, military personnel, or during clearance operations after a conflict.
2. Isolation and Evacuation: The area around the device or UXO is immediately secured, and a safe perimeter is established to prevent unauthorised access. If necessary, nearby civilians are evacuated to a safe distance to minimise potential casualties in case of accidental detonation.
3. Render Safe Procedure (RSP): The bomb disposal team, which consists of highly trained and experienced personnel, approaches the device with great caution. They use specialised tools and equipment to assess the type of explosive, its condition, and potential triggering mechanisms.
4. Remote Techniques: When possible, bomb disposal experts utilise remote techniques, such as robots or drones, to inspect and handle the device from a safe distance. This minimises the risk to human life during the process.
5. Disposal Techniques: The RLC employs various techniques to disarm the bomb or make it safe for transportation. These may include cutting wires, removing detonators, or neutralising the explosive material using controlled detonations.
6. Controlled Detonation: In cases where it is deemed too risky or not feasible to disarm the device, a controlled detonation may be conducted in a controlled environment. This involves using additional explosives to render the original device harmless.
7. Safe Transport and Storage: If the device cannot be safely neutralised on-site, it is carefully transported to a secure location for disposal or further analysis.
8. Documentation and Analysis: After the operation, the RLC team documents their findings and procedures for further analysis and to improve their techniques for future operations.

Throughout the entire process, safety is the utmost priority, and the bomb disposal experts follow strict protocols and guidelines to minimise risks and ensure the successful neutralisation of the explosive threat. These operations require highly specialised training, equipment, and nerves of steel to handle the potentially life-threatening situations they face.