A cordon was put in place while expert bomb disposal crews were deployed after suspected ordnance was found on Shoebury Common Beach.
Southend Coastguard were yesterday (August 26) tasked to the mission at 11.10am, with the suspected ordnance - deemed as possibly explosive - spotted on the shoreline by a beachgoer with a metal detector.
The suspected ordnance was found west of the Southend Coastguard station on Shoebury Common Beach, just opposite the pier and foreshore office.
After reporting the find to pier and foreshore officers, the team swiftly called 999 and asked for coastguard attendance.
Upon arrival, coastguard crews inspected the item which was laying at the bottom of the beach, taking photos and measurements - with details passed over to Dover MRCC and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team for further review.
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An army EOD team, based out of Colchester Barracks, soon decided they would need to inspect the item at the next low tide at around 7pm.
A 50m cordon was also put in place for public safety, covering the beach area and promenade, with the suspected ordnance presenting a danger to swimmers and families who congregate in the area.
Teams worked together to man the cordon until the army EOD arrived, who were able to examine the suspected ordnance further now it was uncovered by water.
It was decided that, while the item had no fuse it was still deemed a risk as "might" contain explosives, so was removed back to Colchester barracks for closer inspection and disposal.
A spokesman from Southend Coastguard, said: "Southend Coastguard would like to thank our community for everyone's cooperation whilst the cordon remained in place which was needed to protect those using Shoebury Common Beach.
"Because such items can be very dangerous, if you ever see something suspicious or out of the ordinary on the beach or in the sea, do not touch it, move it or take it home.
"Let the experts decide if it is safe. Move to a safe space and call 999 and ask for the coastguard so our teams can investigate."
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