POLIHALE — Polihale State Park reopened yesterday afternoon after Navy explosive experts removed what turned about to be a nonexplosive training device from the ocean floor, 800 yards from shore. The beach and park were scheduled to be closed through Wednesday.
POLIHALE — Polihale State Park reopened yesterday afternoon after Navy explosive experts removed what turned about to be a nonexplosive training device from the ocean floor, 800 yards from shore.
The beach and park were scheduled to be closed through Wednesday.
Navy explosive ordnance experts from Mobile Unit Three, in cooperation with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, retrieved the device in approximately 50 feet of water yesterday.
Pacific Missile Range Facility spokesman Tom Clemens said the ordnance was an American-made training device filled with concrete.
“It’s probably decades old,” he said. “It was heavily encrusted and hard to find any identifying marks.”
Divers determined that the ordnance was not explosive, removed it and — following standard procedure — disposed of it in deeper waters.
Clemens said a recreational diver reported the device to the Coast Guard in June.
The Navy also announced yesterday that the Major’s Bay Recreation Area will be closed Thursday for a training exercise. PMRF Guest Pass holders will still be able to access beaches at Housings and Shenanigans via the Shenanigans parking lot.
