Rest Bay was cordoned off by emergency services on Saturday as the dramatic incident played out
22:01, 13 Jun 2026Updated 22:05, 13 Jun 2026
A video posted by camera_anchor on Instagram shows the moment of the explosion at Rest Bay in Porthcawl caught by a live camera feed (Image: camera_anchor/ Instagram)
Bomb disposal specialists detonated unexploded ordnance on a Welsh beach on Saturday afternoon. Rest Bay in Porthcawl was cordoned off to the public as the dramatic incident played out.
It is understood a number of devices were found in the garden of a nearby property before being removed and taken to the beach to be destroyed by experts.
The detonation took place at around midday, as members of the public watched on from afar as the scenes unfolded. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter.
Rest Bay is a popular Blue Flag beach with miles of golden sand and rock pools.
Porthcawl’s National Coastwatch Institution wrote that a 100m cordon was set up around the object, with South Wales Police, Porthcawl Coastguard and Porthcawl Lifeguards also at the scene.
Videos circulating on social media captured by a live feed show a plume of smoke as the explosion took place.
Porthcawl’s Rest Bay is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and coastal hikes, attracting vast numbers of visitors, especially during the busy summer season.
It has Blue Flag status and is staffed by RNLI lifeguards in the summer.
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