Volunteers from the Wildlife Rescue Team Malta made a startling discovery during a routine patrol at Għajn Tuffieħa (Riviera Bay) – but it wasn’t a turtle nest!

The team found an unexploded petard that had washed up with the waves. Though small in size, the petard posed a significant danger, especially once it began drying – a process that could have rendered it unstable and prone to detonation.

‘Even though it's small, if a child had to be playing with it and it goes off, it can cause quite severe damage,’ the team wrote on social media.

Thankfully, the Armed Forces of Malta were quick to respond, deactivating the petard and removing it for safe disposal.

This rare and alarming find serves as an important reminder of the multiple roles these dedicated volunteers play. While their main mission is to help protect sea turtles during nesting season, which includes flattening sandcastles, filling holes, and clearing rubbish that might hinder turtles, they also remain vigilant for hazards to humans.

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‘Deep holes on a dark beach can cause injuries due to falls, and that is why we always emphasise on keeping the beaches flat,’ the team noted. This is something everyone should keep in mind next time they decide to bury one of their friends in the sand – cover up the holes when you’re done with the fun!

If you happen to be enjoying Malta’s beautiful beaches this summer, keep an eye out – and maybe give a quiet nod of thanks to the unseen efforts keeping both people and wildlife safe.

Have you ever spotted an unusual find on the beach like this one?