News Release

U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit determines that object on Cape Hatteras beach is live military ordnance

Unexploded ordnance on beach near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach Access in Buxton, North Carolina.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: October 22, 2020

Contact: Michael Barber, 252-475-9032

After careful examination, a U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit from Norfolk, Virginia confirmed that the object discovered on a Cape Hatteras National Seashore beach in Buxton, North Carolina this morning is a live military ordnance.

The U.S. Navy EOD unit has placed the unexploded ordnance (UXO), described as a 100-pound aerial bomb from the World War II era, deep inside the beach near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach Access parking area. At around 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning, October 23, the unit will detonate the ordnance in place. No damage to nearby structures is expected; however, Buxton residents and visitors may hear the detonation.

To ensure visitor safety, a safety perimeter measuring approximately a half mile has been established around the buried UXO. The following areas are closed until the U.S. Navy EOD unit detonates the UXO and determines that the entire perimeter is safe.

• Cape Hatteras Light Station grounds and parking area

• Old Cape Hatteras Lighthouse parking area and beach

• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach Access and parking area

• Buxton Beach Access and parking area

Due to the sound the detonation may make during the early morning hours, Dare County plans to send out a mass phone notification warning to all nearby residents and visitors at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow.