The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) confirmed that unexploded ordnance (UXO) was recently discovered in Manitoba’s first two nations.
According to a CAF spokesman, the 17th Wing Winnipeg Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team received a report on ammunition observed in the Black River First Nation on Saturday. CTV News Winnipeg learned that the device was found on the beach.
The UXO found in the Black River First Nation. (Source: Kenny Harry)
The next day, team members found two items: one in the Black River First Nation and another in the Fort Alexander First Nation.
The CAF noted that both UXOs were safely transported to the EOD elimination camp on the 17th Wing, where they were destroyed.
The spokesman explained that these UXOs were airborne location markers, called marine marker location markers (MLMs), used for water search and rescue operations.
These bookmarks are downloaded from search and rescue aircraft when something of interest is found in the water. The marker lights up on contact with water, allowing the CAF to return to that exact location if needed.
Marines at the location of the marker discharge thick, white smoke that can be seen from the planes. The smoke is generated by a flame that is visible at night.
The UXO found in the Black River First Nation. (Source: Kenny Harry)
So far in 2022, the CAF has responded 94 times to recover and eliminate 322 UXOs, 32 of which were marker location marines. The CAF added that it has staff ready at all times to deal with such situations.
The spokesman added that UXOs can continue to pose a threat even after they have fulfilled their intended purpose. People who come across such devices are reminded not to pick them up or move them, but to contact the local police.