DON’T TOUCH: The canister believed to contain a lethal poison.
FIRE and Rescue NSW has urged communities along the NSW coast to avoid handling silver canisters or containers washed up on beaches following the recent storms and to immediately call triple-0 to report them to authorities.
The warning was issued after a Batemans Bay resident found a container on the beach a week ago.
The man took the container back to his house to avoid any water/beach pollution. When he searched the internet it was revealed the contents of the container to be a poison.
Fire and Rescue NSW and Queanbeyan EPA were advised and have removed the container.
It is believed the contents of the canister could be aluminium phosphide, which could be fatal if inhaled or ingested.
It’s possible that the container may have come from a passing ship and washed up on the coastline. Similar reports have also come from police in Queensland.
Anyone who comes across these canisters should report it immediately. They should not try to inspect, open or transport them and stand well away.