Old “torpedo” dragged to the surface by Devon trawler

A suspected torpedo was pulled to the surface after becoming tangled in the nets of a fishing trawler off the Devon coast near Brixham. The unexpected catch prompted immediate action, with the crew notifying authorities to assess the potential explosive hazard.

A Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was deployed to handle the situation. Given the potential danger posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO), the item was carefully towed out to sea and destroyed in a controlled explosion. The size of the resulting water plume suggested that the munition contained a large high-explosive charge.

Torpedo or Mine?

Although the fishermen initially reported the object as a torpedo, on-site images suggest it was more likely a German WWII mine. These long, cylindrical mines resemble aerial bombs more than the traditional spherical sea mines often associated with naval warfare.

One possible identification is a Luftmine B (LMB) magnetic influence mine, a WWII-era German sea mine designed to be dropped from aircraft rather than deployed from ships. If this was indeed an LMB mine, it would have weighed approximately 2,116 lbs (960 kg), with 1,554 lbs (705 kg) of high-explosive charge – a massive warhead capable of causing devastating damage to ships!

The legacy of WWII sea mines

German sea mines remain one of the largest unexploded ordnance hazards in UK waters today. Many of these mines were deployed in strategic coastal areas to disrupt Allied naval operations. Some LMB mines were also adapted for aerial bombing campaigns and used against urban targets during the Blitz, where they were referred to as “land mines” due to their devastating effect.

Decades later, these weapons continue to pose risks, particularly to fishing vessels and offshore construction projects. It is not uncommon for trawlers to snag UXO in their nets, leading to dangerous and costly disruptions.

UXO risk management and support

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in identifying, assessing, and mitigating UXO risks for marine and land-based projects. Our services include:

• Marine UXO Surveys & Risk Assessments – Helping offshore industries manage UXO threats.
• Target Investigation & Disposal – Identifying and safely disposing of UXO.
• Emergency UXO Support – Rapid response for unexpected UXO encounters.

If your project involves potential UXO risks, contact Brimstone UXO for expert guidance and support.

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