The discovery of hazardous materials in Bodden Town triggered a swift and effective multi-agency response from the Cayman Islands Fire Service, Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, Hazard Management Cayman Islands, Cayman Islands Coast Guard and the Department of Environmental Health yesterday Monday 20 March 2023. 

At approximately 5:34pm, a 911 call was received by the Department of Public Safety Communications and the Cayman Islands Fire Service was dispatched to respond to the report of a barrel having washed up on the shore in the vicinity of Pirates Cave. 

As a part of a coordinated hazardous material response, the area was quickly cordoned off to allow a thorough on-scene assessment by responding agencies. It was determined that the barrel, which was labelled “phosphorous” contained a military grade flare, which was ignited within the barrel.  Overnight responders from both RCIPS and CIFS continued to monitor the barrel until approximately 1:15am this morning Tuesday 21 March, at which time the fire had extinguished.

The Cayman Islands Fire Service is currently making preparations for the barrel’s proper and safe disposal in collaboration with the National Roads Authority.