Warning is issued after 'potentially hazardous' unidentified objects wash up on Aussie beach

By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 08:37, 5 July 2026 | Updated: 08:50, 5 July 2026 Authorities are investigating a series of strange objects that washed up on beaches in Far North Queensland. The Queensland Fire Department shared a warning on Sunday afternoon after the objects appeared over the weekend, mostly north of Townsville. 'Queensland Fire and Rescue crews are continuing to assist partner agencies following the discovery of several potentially hazardous objects around Forrest Beach in North Queensland,' it said in a statement. 'Specialist QFR Scientific teams have safely secured a number of the items throughout the weekend and remain on scene continuing their work.  'A 50-metre exclusion zone is still in place.' Three photos showed the items are large, circular and grey with pipes on the top and bottom. At least four have been found. Beachgoers in the area were advised to stay away from any strange objects.  'If you come across any suspicious objects in the area, do not touch them. Move away and call Triple Zero (000) immediately,' QFD said. Authorities are investigating a series of strange objects (above) that washed up on beaches north of Townsville At least four of the objects (above) were found over the weekend Authorities are working to find the 'nature and origin' of the large, grey objects (above) 'The nature and origin of the debris are still being investigated.' The fire department did not share details on what the objects are suspected to be. However, commenters theorised they were hydrazine propellant bladder tanks. The tanks are specialised to carry highly-toxic hydrazine fuel on space craft and satellites. Other commenters theorised the objects could have been used in an attempted drug smuggling operation or commercial fishing gear. The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.