Unexpended Marine Flares Recovered
Yukon, Canada An unexpended white phosphorus marine flare (shown in the image below) was recovered from the area surrounding Marsh Lake left behind from a recent search and rescue exercise. The flare was recovered by the Canadian EOD unit based out of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt after performing a sweep of the area. The EOD unit also recovered several expended marine flare bodies.
Although authorities expected that the other flares expended during the training functioned as designed, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police did issue a public safety alert to residents living near Marsh Lake as a precaution. The public safety announcement reminded residents to notify local authorities if they come across any items that may be an unexpended flare.
There is something that should be noted regarding the MK 25 after it has functioned as designed and the expended body ends up on some beach somewhere. Back in the 60's after several incidents had taken place with expended MK 25's, a warning was issued (I do not recall the issuing authority), that caution should be taken with these expended items.
As a result of the residue from the functioned marker, combined with salt water and the drying process after a prolonged period on the beach, a white phosphorous type crust usually builds up in and around the flare nozzle. It should be noted that this does not always occur. When the crust is disturbed it reacts very similar to WP. In one incident that was reported in the warning, a person was walking along a deserted beach, and came upon a MK 25 and kicked it, and noted smoke coming from the nozzle after it came to rest. Eventually the main body of the MK 25 ruptured as in a low-order detonation. The other was about one that had been found by someone was somewhat familiar with the MK 25 (stating he knew the item was empty) and put it in the trunk of his vehicle to transport to the local police. While in transit the trunk of his vehicle caught on fire from the expended MK 25.
Having been attached to an EOD Team back in the 60's on the east coast adjacent to submarine and anti-submarine training areas, a great number of our responses were for MK 25's. After receiving the warning it was noted that the warning was very correct and and greater care was taken when handling or transporting a MK 25.