An unexploded ordnance that washed onshore on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Thursday has been successfully detonated. A Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit from Norfolk, Virginia detonated the buried object shortly after 12:30 today. The three-person team reported that there was a dull thud and sand tossed into the air approximately 60 feet. They used a combination of explosives including C-4. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse grounds and nearby parking and beach areas have reopened.
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Park rangers on the North Carolina coast say potential unexploded ordnance has washed onshore, leading authorities to establish a safety perimeter to protect visitors. A statement from Cape Hatteras National Seashore says the item was discovered on the beach at Buxton on Thursday near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach Access parking area. The safety perimeter measures approximately a half mile and will remain in place until a U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit from Norfolk, Virginia arrives on scene to safety removes the ordnance. Dave Hallac, superintendent of National Parks of Eastern North Carolina, says big waves often lead to unexploded ordnance and practice bombs washing onshore.