On Thursday 25/04/2013 an aluminium canister was handed in at St Helens Police Station by a St Helens man who had found it washed up on the beach near Waterhouse in the State’s North East.

The aluminium canister is approximately 23cm high and 10cm in diameter; it has a plastic lid with an O ring seal.  The contents are believed to be dry pellets of Aluminium Phosphide, normally used as an industrial fumigation for pest control.  The contents are stable when dry and sealed in the container, but when introduced to moisture they produce Phosphine gas which is highly toxic and highly flammable.

If any person finds such a canister on or near the shoreline they are advised to stay well clear and to not handle the item or place themselves in risk of inhaling the toxic gas.  They are advised to call Tasmania Police immediately.

Information has been sourced from NSW Fire and Rescue who report that the origin of the canister is unknown, as is the quantity of canisters that are drifting in the ocean.  The majority of the canisters have been found washed up in Queensland as far North as CookTown; with a number being found on NSW coastlines.

This canister has been contained by Tasmania Fire Service and the Break O Day Council for future disposal.