Magnet fisher hooks WW2 bomb on canal

A woman searching for underwater treasure with a magnet fishing kit got more than she bargained for when she pulled an unexploded WW2 bomb from a canal.

Unexpected Discovery of the WW2 Bomb

Marie Kirkman, an amateur magnet fisher, retrieved what she believed to be an old, corroded piece of metal from the Trevor Basin, located next to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage Site in Wrexham County. Unaware of the potential danger, she took the object home, only realising its significance when she posted photos on social media.

After concerned users pointed out that the object appeared to be an unexploded mortar, Marie contacted the police. Authorities immediately evacuated her home and surrounding properties in Bala, Gwynedd, before alerting bomb disposal teams in Chester. Nearby streets were also closed off as a precaution while the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team worked to safely remove the WW2 bomb.

Historical Context

The area where the mortar was found is historically significant. During WWII, a nearby munitions factory operated along the Llangollen Canal, making it possible that discarded or lost ordnance remains hidden beneath the water. While most magnet fishing finds include old tools, coins, railway components, and boat machinery, UXO (unexploded ordnance) remains a real and ongoing risk.

UXO Risks and Magnet Fishing

Marie, who took up magnet fishing three months ago, was initially excited about the prospect of finding valuable or recyclable items. She had even heard of someone pulling up a safe filled with cash. However, after this alarming experience, she admitted she felt “a bit nervous” about continuing the hobby.

Magnet fishing has gained popularity in recent years, but this incident serves as a critical reminder of the dangers posed by UXO. Many WWII-era munitions remain buried or submerged across the UK, and disturbing them can have severe consequences.

Brimstone UXO – Safe and Professional UXO Disposal

At Brimstone UXO, we specialise in the safe identification, management, and disposal of unexploded ordnance. As the only Ministry of Defence-assured explosive ordnance clearance and conventional munitions disposal contractor in the UK, we provide expert services to ensure safety, whether for planned projects or emergency response.

If you need advice on UXO risk mitigation, contact our team for an informal discussion about how we can help keep your site safe.

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