The U.S. Coast Guard warned Lake Michigan boaters and beachgoers about three missing phosphorous pyrotechnics, May 27, 2025, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Coast Guard warned all beachgoers to remain clear and contact 911 should they locate the missing phosphorus pyrotechnics. (Mary Wysong/U.S. Coast Guard)
(Tribune News Service) — Boaters and beachgoers should stay away if they see a strange cylinder in Lake Michigan.
That’s the word from the U.S. Coast Guard, which issues a warning this week for three missing phosphorous pyrotechnics.
The silver shaped cylinders produce a red smoke and flame that can reach temperatures of 2900 degrees Fahrenheit.
The flares are from a joint military exercise with the Coast Guard and Air Force that occurred earlier this month offshore of Milwaukee.
During the exercise, four phosphorous pyrotechnics that were deployed did not activate when entering the water. They are still considered armed when they do not activate.
One phosphorous pyrotechnic was located on Montrose Beach, Illinois by a lifeguard on May 26.
Three phosphorus pyrotechnics are still unaccounted for, according to the Coast Guard.
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