Missing military flares prompt urgent warning for Lake Michigan beachgoers
Coast Guard issued the alert after military exercise left 3 dangerous devices unaccounted for
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The U.S. Coast Guard is warning beachgoers to "remain clear" if they come across a silver-shaped cylinder along the shoreline, as it could be an armed flare.
Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan said in a statement three phosphorus pyrotechnic flares were unaccounted for after a joint military exercise with the Coast Guard and Air Force earlier this month offshore Milwaukee.
Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan issued a warning for three missing phosphorus pyrotechnic flares. (Ninth Coast Guard District)
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}During the exercise, four phosphorus pyrotechnics that were deployed did not activate when entering the water, according to officials.
One phosphorous pyrotechnic was located on Montrose Beach, Illinois, by a lifeguard on May 26.
The Coast Guard is searching for three missing devices in Lake Michigan. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}However, three phosphorus pyrotechnics are still unaccounted for.
The missing pyrotechnics are still considered armed when they do not activate.
A satellite image of Lake Michigan. Several armed flares are missing after a Coast Guard exercise and beachgoers are being urged to be careful. (Google Earth)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Phosphorus pyrotechnics produce a red smoke and flame that can reach temperatures of 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit, according to military officials.