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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Exmouth beach cordoned off as large mystery hole appears | Exmouth beach cordoned off as large mystery hole appears |
| (3 days later) | |
| A large mystery hole which spurted "big plumes of water" and sent plants and snails shooting into the air has appeared on a beach. | A large mystery hole which spurted "big plumes of water" and sent plants and snails shooting into the air has appeared on a beach. |
| The coastguard at Exmouth beach cordoned off the 15ft (4.6m) by 15ft hole on Thursday afternoon. | The coastguard at Exmouth beach cordoned off the 15ft (4.6m) by 15ft hole on Thursday afternoon. |
| The hole, which was "bubbling" with water, has since been filled in by the incoming tide. | The hole, which was "bubbling" with water, has since been filled in by the incoming tide. |
| East Devon District Council said it was trying to find out what caused the hole and a cordon remains at Orcombe Point. | East Devon District Council said it was trying to find out what caused the hole and a cordon remains at Orcombe Point. |
| When the coastguard team arrived they said the surrounding sand was soft and fresh holes were appearing. | When the coastguard team arrived they said the surrounding sand was soft and fresh holes were appearing. |
| Kite surf instructor James Dart said: "I looked over and there were big plumes of water coming out of the beach it was all bubbling up much like a geyser, it was probably going about a foot above the beach - it was quite tremendous sight. | Kite surf instructor James Dart said: "I looked over and there were big plumes of water coming out of the beach it was all bubbling up much like a geyser, it was probably going about a foot above the beach - it was quite tremendous sight. |
| "I got closer and saw plant matter coming up a few snails coming out too. It was something to spice things up in the rain." | "I got closer and saw plant matter coming up a few snails coming out too. It was something to spice things up in the rain." |
| 'Bit of a mystery' | 'Bit of a mystery' |
| It is thought there could have been a chamber underneath the hole, about 10ft (3m) to 15ft (4.6m) deep. | It is thought there could have been a chamber underneath the hole, about 10ft (3m) to 15ft (4.6m) deep. |
| Council officials said engineers would "continue to monitor the situation over the weekend and between tides". | Council officials said engineers would "continue to monitor the situation over the weekend and between tides". |
| They added: "The beach is very popular with dog walkers and bathers who are being advised to avoid the cordoned off area. | They added: "The beach is very popular with dog walkers and bathers who are being advised to avoid the cordoned off area. |
| "Heavy rain yesterday may be the cause of the hole - a natural phenomenon - to have opened up, but is still a bit of a mystery." |