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A recoverable practice torpedo has been removed from a Gold Coast beach after it was found by residents.
Emergency services were called to Main Beach, in the city of Gold Coast, around 5:45am and a 100-metre exclusion zone established to cordon off the suspected-Mark 54 lightweight hybrid torpedo.
The torpedo has reportedly since been seized by the Australian Defence Force, removed and the beach reopened.
Queensland Police Service Acting Inspector Leon Wort, speaking to the ABC, said the device was an ‘inert practice torpedo’ lost during Australian Defence Force exercises in recent months.
"They (the ADF) will … box it and return it to their depot," Acting Inspector Wort said.
"It's been recovered and we've got no further concerns for public safety… It's a practice device and we all practice and that's one of their training aids
"I think over the years we've had quite a few unusual objects wash up here over the beach and we'll manage what washes up on the shore appropriately.
"I'd like to thank members of the public that reported it to the triple-0 line.
"That's the most important thing — if you see a suspect device, it doesn't necessarily have to look like a military weapon, contact the police and we will contact people who can manage the situation."
