Possible Military Device Washes Ashore In South Beach

MIAMI BEACH, FL — A possible military device washed ashore in South Beach on Wednesday, prompting officials to cordon off the area for a time. The Miami-Dade Police Department Bomb Squad was called out to determine if the device posed a threat to beachgoers. It washed ashore on 9 Street just off busy Ocean Drive.

"Perimeter for safety has been established in the immediate area," tweeted Miami Beach police late Wednesday morning.

Ernesto Rodriguez of the Miami Beach Police Department told Patch that the device measured just under two feet long and was discovered by Miami Beach Ocean Rescue.

"It has since been removed by the Miami-Dade PD Bomb Squad," Rodriguez said.

The Miami Beach Fire Department launched a drone to take photos of the object from a safe distance. "We utilized the MBFD drone earlier today to safely scan area as possible military device was located on the beach," according to fire officials.

The device carried a warning that read: "Do not handle. Contains phosphorus."

Photos courtesy Miami Beach Police Department and Miami Beach Fire Department