Explosive from Second World War found in an Ontario river

An explosive device from the Second World War was found in an Ontario river.

A recreational diver found device, believed to be a training munition from the war, in the Beaver River in The Blue Mountains on the weekend, OPP Constable Trevor McKean told INsauga.com.

The OPP and the Canadian Forces Explosive Disposal Unit retrieved the device and determined it was inert and not a danger to the public.

It is not known how the device got there but McKean said someone likely dumped it in the river. A solider could have brought the device home and family member may have found it later.

“Probably somebody just discarded it, they didn’t know what to do with it,” McKean said.

Judging by the condition of the device, it was likely in the river for a long time, he added.

Anyone who finds an explosive device should contact their local police for proper disposal, McKean said. People should use caution if they find a device like this even if it is very old.

“Sometimes the old munitions become unstable and we have people who are trained to collect them,” he said.

#CWoodOPP w/ assistance from @CanadianForces Explosive Disposal Unit retrieved a WW2 era training munition from the Beaver River in @townofbluemtns. It was discovered by a recreational diver. The device was found to be inert and of no danger to the public. #WorkingTogether ^dm pic.twitter.com/QoHIEH8EZJ

— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) October 9, 2024