Small canisters and other plastic objects found on the rocks in the sea near Exiles in Sliema are fireworks components, sources within the pyrotechnic industry have confirmed.

The woman reported that she found the objects while swimming near Independence Garden. She had uploaded the photos, asking people to identify what the objects where and where they came from, stating that there were around 15 black cups and at least 20 of the balls found.

This newsroom at first contacted the Civil Protection Department, asking whether they can confirm that these were parts of fireworks. The CPD was unable to confirm.

Asked what precautions people should take when coming into contact with such items at sea, the CPD said that when the public does not know what the objects are, the public should stay back and inform the police.

While not confirming whether the objects were parts of fireworks, the CPD said that, if they are, they could possibly be dangerous. It said that upon finding such suspicious objects, people should inform the police.

Sources from the fireworks industry later said the spheres were parts of colour petards, known in Maltese as ‘blalen tal-kulur’, which had failed to ignite.