Unexploded bomb found in River Thames close to Houses of Parliament

Two of London’s busiest underground stations were evacuated after an unexploded Second World War bomb was discovered in the River Thames near the Houses of Parliament. The discovery caused significant disruption during the busy afternoon rush hour and required a coordinated response from emergency services and bomb disposal experts.

Discovery of the device in the River Thames

Police were called to Victoria Embankment, near Westminster Tube station, at around 5:15 pm following reports from workmen who had dredged up a suspicious device while working in the River Thames. Upon assessment by Metropolitan Police specialists, the object was confirmed to be an unexploded bomb dating back to World War II.

As a safety precaution, both Westminster and Embankment Underground stations were evacuated. Additionally, Victoria Embankment and Westminster Bridge were cordoned off, affecting pedestrian and vehicular access to a large area around London’s historic landmarks, including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Royal Navy bomb disposal unit deployed

The Royal Navy bomb disposal unit was called to the scene to safely deactivate the ordnance. The bomb, described as approximately 2 feet long and 1 foot in diameter, was uncovered by civil engineers conducting routine work at low tide along the north shore of the River Thames.

Martin Garside of the Port of London Authority explained, “It looks like a shell, but it is definitely a Second World War bomb. It was exposed at low tide, and we are waiting for the army to deactivate it.”

Impact on the area

The discovery of the bomb caused widespread disruption in one of London’s busiest areas. Police cordons prevented all traffic and pedestrian movement around Westminster Bridge and Victoria Embankment, creating significant delays. Tourists and locals alike were affected as access to nearby attractions, including the London Eye and the Southbank, was restricted. Authorities advised the public to avoid the area until the situation was resolved.

The legacy of WWII ordnance

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) from the Second World War remains a significant issue in the UK, particularly in urban and marine environments. During the Blitz, thousands of bombs were dropped on London, and not all of them detonated. Over the decades, many have been uncovered during construction, dredging, or other activities, posing a potential risk to public safety.

How Brimstone UXO Can Help

At Brimstone, we provide a comprehensive range of UXO marine services to ensure the safety of your project. From initial desktop studies to detailed marine surveys and the removal of identified ordnance, we specialise in risk mitigation for projects of all sizes. Our experienced team uses state-of-the-art technology to identify and safely dispose of UXO, minimising disruptions and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

If you’re managing a marine construction project, our tailored UXO solutions can provide the peace of mind you need.

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