Fishing Boat in North Sea Detonates WW2 Device

A fishing vessel operating off the Norfolk coast in the North Sea was severely damaged when a World War II bomb detonated, injuring five crew members. The explosion, which occurred on 15th December 2020, highlights the ongoing threat posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in UK waters.

UXO explosion injures crew off Norfolk coast in North Sea

The seven-crew fishing vessel Galwad-Y-Mor was hauling crab pots about 22 miles off the coast of Cromer in the North Sea when the incident occurred. It is believed that the crab pots disturbed a buried UXO, triggering the detonation. The explosion caused severe injuries, with one crew member losing sight in one eye.

Devastating damage and injuries

Setting out from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, the crew was retrieving a string of 100 crab pots when their main line snagged. As the skipper increased engine power to free the line, a deafening explosion rocked the vessel. The blast deformed the hull, flooded the engine room, and caused extensive internal damage, referred to as ‘shock damage.’

A nearby safety boat from a wind farm four miles away was dispatched to rescue the injured crew. First aid was administered, and the crew members were taken to hospital. Among the five injured, two suffered broken bones, while another required a skull plate and lost sight in one eye.

WWII bomb identified as the cause

An investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) determined that the explosion was caused by a WWII-era air-dropped German bomb. In their report, they emphasised how close the crew came to being killed:

“Although the physical injuries were significant to five of the seven crew, they were fortunate not to be killed. The crew member working on the starboard side of the main deck could have been ejected overboard.”

The MAIB also praised the crew’s training and emergency preparedness:

“It is likely that Galwad-Y-Mor crew’s formal training, emergency drills, and combined length of service prepared them to deal with this unforeseen emergency scenario and enabled them to take swift action that, undoubtedly, saved lives.”

The ongoing threat of UXO in UK waters

Unexploded ordnance remains a major hazard in UK waters, particularly in areas that were heavily bombed or used for military exercises during World War II. UXO can remain buried on the seabed for decades, posing a serious risk to fishing vessels, offshore wind farms, and maritime construction projects.

How Brimstone UXO helps reduce UXO risks

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in assessing and mitigating the risks posed by unexploded ordnance. Our services include UXO risk assessments, marine and land surveys, and explosive ordnance disposal. Whether you’re involved in fishing, offshore construction, or coastal development, we provide expert support to ensure safety at sea and on land.

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