Police taped off parts of West Links beach in Arbroath and called in the bomb squad after a suspicious find on Tuesday.
Officers attended the beach near Westway Retail Park shortly before 6pm following the discovery.
It is understood the army’s explosive ordnance disposal was also called to the scene.
The coastguard confirmed on Wednesday that the device had been covered by the tide overnight, but that experts would likely return to the scene to destroy the item.
The beach remains sealed off with a torch light shining onto the object found earlier on Tuesday
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.45pm on Tuesday, we received a report of a potential ordnance found on the beach near Westway Retail Park in Arbroath.
“Officers and the coastguard are currently in attendance.”
The Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment.
Bomb squad called to Arbroath beach after suspicious find
