A second unexploded torpedo has been found in Scapa Flow

Another unexploded torpedo has been uncovered in Scapa Flow, prompting the establishment of a 500m exclusion zone in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. A team of Royal Navy divers safely destroyed the weapon in a controlled explosion – the same method used to dispose of a previously discovered German torpedo in the area.

Does this find pose a significant hazard?

Torpedoes contain some of the largest high-explosive warheads of any weapon type. Designed to sink heavily armoured warships weighing tens of thousands of tons, these weapons remain a serious concern when discovered in the marine environment.

In this case, sonar surveys detected the torpedo at a depth of approximately 100 feet. Although the weapon was in pieces and heavily corroded, the presence of white material suggested that it remained live and potentially viable. However, such devices pose minimal risk unless disturbed – there is an extremely low probability of an unexploded torpedo detonating spontaneously.

Royal Navy divers identified the weapon as a Mark VIII British torpedo, a model widely used by the Royal Navy and Allied navies during World War II. Measuring 6.6 meters in length, the Mk VIII torpedo could deliver a 365kg TNT warhead to a target up to 4.5km away.

Why is Scapa Flow a hotspot for UXO?

The UK coastline is scattered with various types of unexploded ordnance (UXO), with high concentrations in shallow tidal waters due to historical conflicts, weapons ranges, coastal defences, and marine currents.

Scapa Flow holds particular significance as a major naval base used by the British Armed Forces in both World War I and World War II. During WWI, the German High Seas Fleet was interned at Scapa Flow following the Armistice. In June 1919, rather than allow their ships to be divided among the Allies, German Admiral Ludwig von Reuter ordered the scuttling of over 50 warships, many of which remain on the seabed to this day.

During WWII, Scapa Flow played a key role in the Royal Navy’s operations, making it a target for German attacks. In 1939, the German U-boat U-47 infiltrated the harbour and sank the battleship HMS Royal Oak, resulting in the loss of 833 crew members. In response, extensive defences, including anti-submarine nets, were installed, and many unexploded munitions remain in the area as a result.

Today, Scapa Flow is a renowned diving site, attracting underwater explorers fascinated by its historic wrecks and wartime relics.

Specialist marine UXO services

The discovery of UXO in marine environments presents unique challenges, requiring specialist expertise to assess, manage, and dispose of these hazards safely. At Brimstone UXO, we provide comprehensive marine UXO risk mitigation solutions, ensuring the safety of offshore and nearshore projects.

Our marine project team brings nearly two centuries of combined diving experience, including highly trained Diver Medic Technicians for on-site safety. All operations are overseen by former Royal Navy clearance divers, ensuring the highest level of expertise in UXO detection and disposal.

If your marine project requires UXO support, contact our Commercial Team today.

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