Huge WWII parachute mine trawled up from the seabed

A massive World War II parachute mine was recently discovered when it became tangled in the nets of a fishing trawler off the Essex coast. The unexpected unexploded ordnance (UXO) find prompted a rapid response from a Royal Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team, who travelled from Portsmouth to safely neutralise the threat.

Controlled detonation at sea

Following protocol, the parachute mine was carefully towed to a safe location further out to sea, where it was destroyed in a controlled explosion. This method is commonly used to ensure the safety of the public and minimise risks associated with handling ageing explosive devices.

What type of WWII parachute mine was it?

Unlike traditional WWII sea mines, which were typically spherical, this long cylindrical device bore a stronger resemblance to an aerial bomb. This design difference is due to its method of deployment. Rather than being dropped from a ship, this mine was designed to be deployed from aircraft.

The parachute mine in question appears to have been a German LMB magnetic influence mine – an air-delivered naval weapon. These mines were intended to detonate when detecting a ship’s magnetic signature, making them particularly effective against Allied naval vessels during the war.

Key specifications of the LMB mine include:

• Weight: Approximately 2,116 lbs (960 kg)
• Explosive Charge: 1,554 lbs (705 kg) of high explosive
• Deployment Method: Air-dropped by the German Luftwaffe

Due to their immense size and explosive potential, these mines represent one of the largest German UXO threats still found in UK waters today.

Is the mine still dangerous?

While German LMB mines relied on electric fuses powered by batteries, which would have long since lost their charge, the explosives inside remain intact. As with all UXO, such devices can still be hazardous if disturbed. Mechanical impact, fire, or tampering could trigger an unintended detonation, making professional disposal essential.

What should you do if you discover UXO?

If you come across a suspicious object on a beach, seabed, or anywhere else, follow these crucial safety steps:

• Do not touch or move the object.
• Mark the location and retreat to a safe distance.
• Immediately notify the Police or Coast Guard.

Brimstone UXO: leading UXO risk management specialists

Brimstone UXO provides expert unexploded ordnance risk management services across the UK and internationally. Our services include:

• UXO Risk Assessments – Evaluating historical military activity to determine UXO presence.
• UXO Surveys & Investigations – Advanced detection and analysis of potential UXO threats.
• UXO Clearance & Disposal – Safe removal and controlled detonation of UXO.

For UXO support on your upcoming projects, reach out to our Commercial Team.

For the latest UXO news, industry insights, and expert advice, follow Brimstone UXO on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. Stay proactive, stay safe, and ensure your projects remain UXO-free with Brimstone UXO.