part of rigid plastic seal found in washing

I unloaded the washing machine this morning (Bosch ClassiXX 1200 express.....about 10 years old) to find a piece of rigid plastic in the washing and all the washing covered in fine grey powder. I assumed someone had left something in a pocket, although family members denied this. I cleared up the grey powder and set the clothes through again....BIG MISTAKE!!! Within 2 minutes the floor was soaked and the electrics had cut out. I have now emptied the machine and cleared up the flood...obviously after unplugging it! Is this repairable? I have looked through several sites and this problem does not seem to appear anywhere. I enclose a picture of the plastic part found in the washing.