A World War Two-era bomb containing 290lb of high explosives was recently discovered in Portsmouth Harbour, prompting a significant emergency response. The device was found by a dredger in the early hours of the morning at approximately 03:00 GMT, according to the Royal Navy. Given the potential danger it posed, specialist bomb disposal divers were deployed immediately to assess the situation.

A Threat to Public Safety

The Royal Navy identified the device as a German SC250 bomb, a type frequently dropped during air raids on Britain in the Second World War. Despite its age, the bomb still contained live explosives, making it a “very serious threat” according to Lt Mike St Pierre, the officer leading the Royal Navy bomb disposal team. Due to the potential for detonation, strict safety protocols were implemented.

Authorities took swift action to minimise risk. All ferry services in the area were suspended, trains between Portsmouth & Southsea Station and Portsmouth Harbour were halted, and extensive road closures were enforced, including key routes leading to Gunwharf Quays. These measures ensured the safety of residents, commuters, and workers in the vicinity.

Safe Disposal at Sea

After a detailed assessment, the decision was made to tow the bomb out to sea to a safe detonation site off the Isle of Wight. Under controlled conditions, the device was successfully destroyed, eliminating any remaining threat. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by unexploded ordnance (UXO) in coastal and marine environments, particularly in historically significant locations like Portsmouth, which was heavily targeted during WWII.

Why Was the Bomb Discovered in Portsmouth Harbour?

The device was uncovered as part of ongoing dredging operations in Portsmouth Harbour. The Royal Navy is currently deepening and widening a four-mile (7km) channel to accommodate its new 65,000-tonne aircraft carriers. Given the harbour’s wartime history, it is not surprising that multiple pieces of unexploded ordnance have been uncovered since the project began in September.

This is not an isolated case. In fact, another UXO, a British-made Armstrong Whitworth device, was also discovered recently, reinforcing the importance of proper risk mitigation measures in marine construction and development projects.

Marine UXO Risk Management: How Brimstone Can Help

Incidents like this underscore the critical need for professional UXO risk management, particularly in marine environments where construction, dredging, and offshore developments frequently disturb buried munitions. At Brimstone, we provide a full spectrum of marine UXO services to ensure the safety of your project. Our expertise covers:

  • Desktop UXO Risk Assessments – Comprehensive studies to assess potential UXO risks before work begins.
  • Marine UXO Surveys – Utilising advanced geophysical techniques to detect and map potential threats.
  • Target Investigation & Identification – Conducting controlled inspections to confirm the nature of any detected anomalies.
  • UXO Removal & Disposal – Safely neutralising and disposing of ordnance to prevent future incidents.

Whether you’re working on a dredging project, offshore wind farm, or any marine infrastructure development, our team is equipped to manage UXO risks efficiently and effectively. Visit our website to learn more about our marine UXO capabilities.

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